The Front Page

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

At the start of this month, there was good news for parents as new financial benefits kicked in for them. At the same time, several wide-reaching existing policies to offset the cost of living ended, leading to yet another financial shock. With three months to go until the election, the focus for many is now turning to what the parties vying for our votes have to offer – and if there’ll be any financial relief before we cast our ballots. On The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joins us to discuss what we can expect from our politicians amid these tough economic times. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several headlines recently have sparked concerns about the state of our teaching pool. Most notably, a man legally known as Taurapa has become the latest teacher found to have had a sexually inappropriate relationship with a student. Another case saw a teacher lose their registration for refusing to call a transgender student by their preferred pronouns. What is the process for disciplining our teachers, and can we be reassured that the right people are educating our children? Today on The Front Page, Damien speaks to Lesley Hoskin, chief executive of the Teaching Council and NZ Herald senior crime writer Sam Sherwood. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you feel you have less than you did a few years ago, you’re not wrong. The latest data shows that Kiwis are indeed worse off overall than they were before the pandemic ripped through the economy. Dropping house prices and the rising cost of living mean that we own less and we’re spending more on the necessities to get by. And yet, many of us are still splashing out on luxuries and not changing our behaviour. So could this lead to a big financial shock down the road? And what changes should we be making right now? NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann crunches the latest numbers and finds that some of us are not taking the risks seriously enough. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta, the owner of Facebook, is shaking up social media with an app some are calling the 'Twitter killer'. Threads will offer a very similar service, but it will be powered by the massive machine Mark Zuckerberg has built since starting FaceMash, as Facebook was first known, in his university dorm room. In the battle between the tech titans Twitter owner Elon Musk has been making a few moves of his own – but none of these have been well-received. So who will come out on top? And perhaps, more importantly, do either of these contenders have what it takes to defeat a rapidly rising TikTok? Today on The Front Page, Melanie Spencer, the group CEO of advertising and marketing company Thompson Spencer helps Damien try make sense of the scrappy battle for social media. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A house, once owned by the Sultan of Brunei, in the affluent Auckland suburb of Herne Bay has become the centre of a dispute with community residents divided over whether the new owners should be allowed to build a boatshed. Some wealthy backers have come out in support of the plan, while others reckon it would be an eyesore. So why do people care so much about what wealthy people are doing in their backyards? Will this boatshed end up being built? And do communities even stand a chance going up against these well-resourced individuals? NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson is on The Front Page today to talk about what we can and can’t build in our backyards. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High winds this week once again closed Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, something that has become a regular and frustrating occurrence in recent years. After 64 years, there’s confusion as to why strong winds are now a concern – and what it means for the long-term stability of the vital transport link. But what are the options for a potential replacement or complementary harbour crossing, and is there the political appetite to do this? NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins Damien on The Front Page to discuss the present concerns with the bridge, and the future solutions. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justice Minister Kiri Allan is the latest Government Minister to have reportedly had significant issues with a member of their staff. The reports of the strained working relationship between Allan and a Department of Conservation employee, emerged last week, and have added further woes to Chris Hipkins’ tenure as Prime Minister. But Allan is not the first MP in recent years to have reportedly clashed with one of their staffers. So why does this tension seem to be such a common occurrence, and is anything being done to change? Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper joins Damien on The Front Page to share insights into Parliament’s culture from his many years in the press gallery. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

For years, NZ Herald readers have pondered the identity of the ‘prominent businessman’ and his five-year journey through the courts for charges relating to sexual assault and perverting the course of justice. While co-conspirators such as entertainer Mika X and PR man Jevan Goulter were named, the businessman’s case dragged on. Finally, this week the ‘prominent businessman’ has been unmasked as Sir James Wallace, a former rich lister well known for his financial contributions to major arts organisations and the highest-grossing local movie of all time. NZ Herald news director and crime reporter Sam Hurley has been following the case since the beginning. He joins Damien to explain who Wallace is, why this case went on for so long, and offer insight into a trial that feels ripped out of a Hollywood screenwriter’s imagination. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abuse from the sidelines. Media blackouts. Legal battles to keep players on the bench. This is the level of drama you’d expect from sports on an international level, but these are all headlines that have involved rugby at the high school level in New Zealand over the last year. So how is it that schoolboy rugby has become so controversial? NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie joins Damien on The Front Page to try and explain what is happening. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has stepped in to announce a $128 million funding package to assist our struggling universities. This comes after a proposal to cut more than 200 jobs at Victoria University of Wellington, which would have seen entire courses removed from the syllabus and others folded into neighbouring departments - just one of many universities that have had to take this measure amid growing budget holes. While the Government has responded to the furious calls from staff to plug the funding gap, serious questions persist about whether these steps go far enough. So why are our universities struggling to make ends meet, and what does this mean for the future of tertiary education? Dougal McNeill, a senior lecturer in English at Victoria University of Wellington and the Tertiary Education Union branch president gives Damien his take on whether the Government’s handout is enough. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine took a stunning turn over the weekend, when the leader of the Wagner mercenary force threatened a coup against President Vladmir Putin. Yevgeny Prigozhin’s long-brewing pushback against Russia’s military establishment was short-lived. Within 24 hours, Belarus had negotiated a deal that saw the man once dubbed Putin’s chef allowed to leave the country without any blood being shed. The saga has baffled international onlookers, with many believing that even though this coup failed to topple the Russian leader, it may mark the beginning of the end of Putin’s long reign. Damien speaks to Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman to discuss the biggest challenge to Putin’s supremacy. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winter is well and truly upon us now, and with it has come a steady stream of news articles offering advice on how to keep your house warm during the cold months while saving on energy bills. Cost cutting is an extra priority this year with the inflation crunch. In a two-week period, Trade Me saw three hundred and forty thousand searches for heaters. However, a recent report from the UK has suggested fixing draughty homes could add 40 billion pounds to their economy by 2030. The Government acknowledges the economic and social importance of this issue and is pushing hard to improve conditions in homes across the country. In addition to the healthy homes standard, Labour has also put even more money into the Warmer Kiwi Homes policy, which focuses on the installation of insulation and efficient heaters. Since its launch in 2018, this policy has seen more than 100,000 installations of insulation and efficient heaters. The Warmer Kiwi Homes policy, which offers Government grants to cover up to 80 per cent of costs involved in the installation of insulation or efficient heating, was extended in the 2023 Budget.But how are we tracking on this issue? And what else can we do to keep our homes warmer? To discuss this, today’s guest on The Front Page is Philippa Howden-Chapman, an Otago University professor of public health specialising in housing, health and wellbeing. She is also a director for Kāinga Oranga’s Housing and Health Research Programme. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last week, the world has been captivated by the story of a group of five wealthy people trapped in submarine on a voyage to visit the wreck of the Titantic. This story has now ended in catastrophe with the submarine imploding and killing everyone on board. The US Coast Guard confirmed that it had detected a debris field at the bottom of the ocean and that no one had survived? So, how did things go so wrong? And why was the whole world’s attention fixed on this story of five people when hundreds of migrant lives are lost in shipping disasters every year? On The Front Page now, we have UK correspondent Gavin Grey to explain how tone disaster captured the world's attention. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our economy has slipped into a technical recession, and Kiwis around the country are feeling the pinch of high inflation and rising mortgage rates. Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that everything feels more expensive at the moment. It’s become easier than ever to question whether we’re even getting a fair deal anymore. After conducting a study of the supermarket industry, the Government has now announced that banks will also be reviewed. This comes amid a wider international discussion about greedflation. That’s the practice of businesses lifting prices faster than they need to, simply because they know shoppers expect to pay more right now. So how long will this recessionary and inflationary period last? And how are some companies getting away with using financial turmoil as an opportunity to increase their prices? NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny is on The Front Page to talk about the state of the economy and PriceSpy’s Carl Lindholm talks greedflation. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s only a few weeks until the opening ceremony officially announces the start of the Fifa World Cup in both Australia and Aotearoa. While preparations are well underway, there have been a few hiccups along the way. There was a major dispute over television rights in Europe, ticket sales in New Zealand haven’t moved quite as fast as expected and there are concerns about how inconvenient our time zone is for the northern hemisphere. So have these issues been addressed? Will our stadiums be filled with fans? And how much inspiration will this groundbreaking tournament give young girls around the country? FIFA chief women’s football officer Sarai Bareman lets us know how preparations are going for the biggest sporting event to ever come to New Zealand. Then, NZ Herald sports journalist Bonnie Jansen will explain the ongoing challenges facing the game from grassroots all the way to the top. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News that Auckland surgeons are now being required to consider a patient’s ethnicity when deciding who should get an operation first sparked sharp debate around the country. Politicians and medical professionals quickly weighed in, with some saying that Health New Zealand’s new Equity Adjuster Score was indefensible. Supporters have, however, pointed out that ethnicity is just one of a number of factors being considered alongside clinical priority, time spent on the waitlist, geographic location and deprivation level. So is this system defensible or even ethical? And is this even the best way to address poor health outcomes faced by Māori and Pasifika communities? Joining Damien on The Front Page today to help answer those questions is Auckland University associate professor Monique Jonas, an expert in healthcare ethics and distributive justice in health. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora is getting bad press once again, following the publication of the harrowing story of a Hamilton woman who for years lived next door to disruptive and disrespectful tenants. This is just the latest in a string of stories, stretching back years, that tell of neighbours enduring abuse, aggression and anti-social behaviour. So how widespread is this issue across social housing in New Zealand, and what are Kāinga Ora management doing to keep people safe from unruly neighbours? Damien is joined by Nick Maling, the general manager of national services at Kāinga Ora, NZ Herald deputy chief of news Lane Nichols who has for years been covering the turmoil that some Kiwi families are facing. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.