The Front Page

Gangs. Patches. And 501 deportees. These issues cause fierce debate across Aotearoa. But how much of what we hear is true? And what should the police and Government be doing to address these problems?  To help answer these questions, Damien speaks to NZ Herald investigative reporter Jared Savage, who this week reported on Operation Cobalt, the Government’s latest move to take on gangs. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D WilsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaping brands arrived in New Zealand under the auspices of helping Kiwis quit smoking. They've also contributed to hooking an entirely new generation on nicotine, as vape stores have became ubiquitous. Although vaping is believed to be less damaging then smoking, it still has repercussions for health, some of which are still being discovered.  As New Zealand moves closer to its goals of a smokefree nation, are we trading the devil we know well for the demon we don't? NZ Herald health reporter Emma Russell joins Damien to talk about the flavoured plumes of vapour enveloping Aotearoa. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D WilsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment is forecast to hit another record low this week. It's good news for workers, but it’s also putting enormous strain on businesses desperate to fill gaps. So what happens when we don’t have enough people to build our houses? And what does this mean for the workers desperately trying to meet deadlines without enough helping hands? New Zealand Herald property editor Anne Gibson joins Damien to talk about the labour crunch affecting one of New Zealand’s biggest industries. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is the first day in two years that tourists from around the world are allowed into Aotearoa. It's the  moment the beleaguered tourism industry had been hoping for, but the recovery of a $42 billion industry is going to take more than a few weeks.  New Zealand Herald travel editor Stephanie Holmes tells Damien that estimates suggest it will be three years before the industry is back to pre-pandemic levels.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, lobby organisation Grounded Kiwis won their case against the Government and the MIQ lottery system. This came as vindication for many New Zealanders who were trapped abroad during the height of the Delta outbreak.  What does this decision mean for MIQ as a whole, and is there a chance of compensation for those affected? Today, Open Justice journalist Hazel Osbourne joins Damien to discuss the what went down in the courtroom this week, before the University of Auckland constitutional law expert Dr Jane Norton explains the ramifications - and why this could be good news for the Government.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been multiple, high-profile ram raids in New Zealand in the past two weeks. The perpetrators are becoming increasingly brazen, targeting major malls and department stores. What’s worse is that many of those committing these crimes tend to be mere teenagers. So why has this problem become so widespread? And how much worse could it become? Today, New Zealand Herald senior writer Jane Phare joins Damien to discuss what she has learnt about what's causing this crimewave.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this month left New Zealand for the first time in two years, for a business-focused trip to Singapore and Japan. This trip was meant to be an announcement to the world that Aotearoa is open and ready for business. But between the high-level talks and the dancing kiwifruit, what did the Prime Minister actually achieve?   Today, Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Jason Walls joins Damien to discuss what it was like on the Prime Minister’s trip to Singapore and Japan.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his quarterly forecast released last week, Westpac economist Satish Ranchhod said the quarterly inflation figure was set to be "another monster". The figure of 6.9 per cent that was eventually reported on Thursday is the highest the country has seen in 30 years. Today, the NZ Herald's business editor-at-large and Money Talks host Liam Dann joins Damien to discuss how this has become one of the biggest political talking points of the year, memories of the last time New Zealand faced inflation like this, and how we can recover from it.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a person happy? Is it wealth, success, fame, great Instagram pics? Or is it something simpler that even ordinary people could strive for? And is it even important int he grand scheme of things?   In-between hosting his show on Radio Hauraki, the New Zealand Herald’s inaugural Happiness editor Matt Heath has been on a personal quest to answer these questions.  Today, he joins Damien to discuss what he’s learnt and what this says about what motivates New Zealand society.       Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megachurches are big business in New Zealand, with these organisations raking in millions of dollars every year. Few have been as successful as the Arise Church, which now ranks as one of the biggest in the country. But this house of worship is starting to face a rebellion from within, as members of the congregation come forward with allegations of what really goes on behind the scenes.      Today, independent journalist David Farrier joins Damien to discuss the scandal rocking one of New Zealand’s biggest megachurches.    Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a worker died in a fall at the Ports of Auckland - the latest in a string of casualties since 2017. This comes after a review last year revealed major systemic problems in the health and safety processes at the port. How does this keep happening? And how much pressure is on the new chief executive to ensure it doesn’t continue?   Today, NZ Herald senior writer Tom Dillane joins Damien to discuss what it will take for workers to feel safe at New Zealand’s biggest port.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January 2019, three-year-old Lachie Jones disappeared on a summer evening. Several hours later, he was found floating face-up in an oxidation pond south of his home in Gore. Police ruled it was an accidental drowning, but the boy’s father has long disagreed - and now has a legal team on his side. So what really happened to Lachie Jones, and is there any chance his father's fight will lead to a new investigation? Today, NZ Herald reporter Kurt Bayer joins Damien to discuss what could have happened to Lachie Jones.  Read more about Lachie's case here. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netsafe, the government-funded agency meant to protect New Zealanders from online harm is facing bullying allegations, a $100,000 fine for privacy breaches and departing CEO. So how is it that Netsafe became such a mess? And how do we go about fixing a system that’s meant to keep Kiwis safe?    Today, NZ Herald technology editor Chris Keall joins Damien to discuss what’s going on with Netsafe and what will come next. Read more on the saga here  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Easter is upon New Zealand again - one of two religious events that are recognised as national public holidays. That’s despite census data showing a growing number of New Zealanders do not identify with any organised religion.   So should the whole country still be celebrating holidays associated with one religious group?   Today, Reverend Frank Ritchie, host of Newstalk ZB’s Sunday at Six and the lead chaplain at Media Chaplaincy, joins Damien to discuss religion's place in 2022 and if the whole country should still celebrate Easter. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight Labour MP Louisa Wall delivers her valedictory speech, bringing an end to a career in Parliament that lasted 14 years. However, she has not gone out quietly. Instead, she gave a series of interviews in which she claimed that Jacinda Ardern did not want her in cabinet or in her caucus. So why did she do this, what truth is there to her claims, and how does this reflect on Wall and the Prime Minister?  Today, NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett joins Damien to discuss Wall's parting comments and if they will have a lasting impact. Read more on the saga here Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 20 years, author Ana Samways has been a collector of New Zealand cultural curiosities. She’s been trawling through the online world for photos, stories and other trinkets that capture the weirdness of life in New Zealand - producing over 5000 editions of the beloved New Zealand Herald column, Sideswipe.  Today, in honour of the anniversary celebrations, Samways joins Damien to share how it all started, how it’s endured and what might come next.   You can find Sideswipe online here Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was announced this weekend that Australians will head to the polls on May 21st, where they will decide whether to continue with the Coalition and Scott Morrison or replace him with Labor and Anthony Albanese. So what are the key talking points as our closest neighbour prepares to head to the polls?   Today, New Zealand correspondent for the Australian Associated Press Ben McKay joins Damien to dig into the details, the drama and the scandal of Australian politics. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has just released a harrowing report that says our time is fast running out to avoid catastrophe. While the report focuses on what can be done to avoid catastrophe, a recent spotlight on some disappearing carparks shows some in New Zealand are unwilling to make those changes. Today, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins Damien to look at what New Zealand can do to make a difference.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a surprising move this week, New Zealand’s Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield has resigned from his post, nearly 18 months before his term ended. The dust had barely settled when the Herald revealed that two other top public health officials following him out the door.  Today, NZ Herald senior writer Derek Cheng, who broke the news of the public health departues, joins Damien to discuss the shock shake-up at the Ministry of Health, and what light history will cast on Bloomfield’s tenure. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, a new movie in the Harry Potter franchise hit local cinemas. It’s not too long ago that the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore would have excited fans young and old alike – but the controversies of franchise creator J K Rowling have dampened the mood for a return to Hogwarts.  It comes as Disney finds itself upsetting both sides of the political aisle after becoming a key figure in the debate over Florida's so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.  Today, New Zealand Herald Culture Editor Karl Puschmann joins Damien to discuss how Hollywood is navigating its part in America's culture wars.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man charged with threatening to kill Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern appeared in court this week. It’s the latest example of online threats stepping dangerously close to crossing over into real-world violence. So how seriously should we take these online threats? And what can we do to help those being drawn in by dangerous ideology? Today, NZ Herald senior writer David Fisher joins Damien to discuss the challenges facing authorities in tackling this problem.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Women’s Cricket World Cup concluded over the weekend with old rivals Australia and England battling it out for glory. Sadly, New Zealand could only watch on as the formidable Australians asserted their dominance and went on to claim the trophy yet again.     Today, Newstalk ZB sports journalist Kate Wells joins Damien to recap the World Cup and what comes next for the White Ferns after a disappointing tournament. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re feeling a bit out of rhythm this morning, that’s not entirely surprising. The country’s clocks changed by an hour over the weekend, throwing schedules out the window with the end of daylight saving time. But with a growing movement overseas to end the practice of changing the clocks, could New Zealand follow suit?  Today, New Zealand Herald columnist and psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald joins Damien to discuss the best ways to get through the change in schedules, and Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Jason Walls talks through the likelihood of the Government changing the system. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been confirmed the next America’s Cup will not be held in New Zealand. After a prolonged saga, it’s been confirmed that the next event will be held in the Spanish city of Barcelona. So how did it come to this? And what does this mean for sailing fans who wanted to see the defence in local waters?     Today, Newstalk ZB Sport director Matt Brown joins Damien to discuss whether Team New Zealand has back-stabbed New Zealanders.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From April 4th, vaccine pass and mandate requirements will be removed and become optional for businesses to implement. In addition to learning to live with Covid, New Zealanders will have to also learn to live with each other as the anti-vaxxers and vaxxers, mask wearers and anti-maskers start to mix in the same spaces. What impact will this have on a country that’s just getting used to Covid in the community? And does easing restrictions ease our fear of the virus? Today, New Zealand Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins Damien to discuss the tensions that will emerge as the country moves into a new phase.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auckland mayoralty - sometimes considered the second most important job in New Zealand politics - is up for grabs this year. And while you'd think that ambitious politicians would be clambering over each other for a shot at the role, the actual race is attracting a few lesser-known faces. Today, New Zealand Herald reporter Tom Dillane joins Damien to discuss who the major candidates are, and why they have some in local government concerned. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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. Content from the New York Times can be read at nzherald.co.nz/Premium Host / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Smith ripped the gaze of the world away from Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine yesterday when he walked onto the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock. But what comes next? And will he face any punishment? For this bonus episode, NZ Herald entertainment and lifestyle editor Jenni Mortimer joins Damien to break down what happened and what's next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pasifika communities make up more than 8 per cent of the New Zealand population, but you wouldn’t know that from looking at most mainstream media. To fill this gaping hole, the New Zealand Herald has just launched a new section, Talanoa, dedicated  to these under-represented communities.    Today, NZ Herald Pasifika editor Vaimoana Tapaleao joins Damien to discuss what it will take to shine a light on the stories that matter to Pasifika people. You can read stories from Talanoa here  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 94th Academy Awards will take place this afternoon, and New Zealand film fans are hoping Jane Campion will emerge with a bit of Oscar gold. But will Power of the Dog take Best Picture after a last-minute controversy - and what of the upset surrounding the ceremony itself?  Today, New York Times awards correspondent and author Kyle Buchanan joins Damien to discuss a turbulent year for Hollywood's biggest awards show.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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. Content from the New York Times can be read at nzherald.co.nz/Premium Host / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Efforts to bail out the economy don’t come cheap. We’ve recently seen the Government forgo hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes to keep this price of petrol down amid the war in Ukraine – this comes after billions have already been spent keeping us afloat during Covid. So how much longer can this level of spend continue? Today, NZ Herald Business Editor at Large and Money Talks host joins Damien to discuss the tightrope the government is walking as it tries to control inflation while also ensuring the nation doesn’t slip into a recession. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the issues with water management in New Zealand were laid bare for all to see. Right after it was revealed that Wellington hasn’t had fluoride in its water for months, both Auckland and the capital saw flooding after heavy rain overwhelmed stormwater systems.  Today, NZ Herald senior journalist Georgina Campbell joins Damien to discuss what’s going on with New Zealand’s water and how the Government plans to fix it.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Russia continues its brutal attack, Ukrainians are defending their homeland with a resolve that few expected to see. But with Russia reportedly now taking aim at civilian targets, and advancing into new territory, the situation for Ukraine is looking bleak. Today, Ukraine-based New Zealand journalist Tom Mutch joins Damien to discuss the situation on the ground in Ukraine and whether Russia’s tactics will break the spirit of the Ukrainian defence.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government will this week announce its plans to roll back vaccine passes and mandates, continuing the ongoing relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. This means that after two years, New Zealanders will have to get used to the idea of living with Covid. But what does this look like, how will our lives compare to what they were before, and are we prepared for this? Today, NZ Herald senior writer Derek Cheng joins Damien to discuss what comes next for a nation still grappling with Covid.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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 / Producer: Damien VenutoProducer / Editor: Shaun D. Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping up to date with the news just became a little easier. NZ Herald’s The Front Page is back - and it is your new, go-to short, sharp daily news podcast.  Join me, Damien Venuto, every weekday morning as he chats with journalists and newsmakers, going behind the headlines to break down what you need to know on the biggest stories of the day.  Listen to The Front Page at nzherald.co.nz/podcasts, and follow us on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the possible move for Ports of Auckland, and how it could impact the whole country. Hosted by Frances Cook.New Zealand is a country that relies on its trade relationships in order to keep a good standard of living, and a lot of those imports and exports come through the ports. That’s why a debate over Auckland’s port has grown so heated, as some say it should be moved to Northland. The situation came to a head with a leak of documents to the Herald’s own Simon Wilson this week.The report showed the cost of leaving the port where it is to be about $8 billion. But moving it will cost about $10 billion. Add to that the complex social impacts, with transport infrastructure needing to change to support either decision, and jobs on the line in Auckland, Northland, and the wider country. For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Simon Wilson about what the leak means, how this debate became so tense and fractured, and if there are any hints on what the Government will decide. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the proposed changes to fix the homes we live in. Hosted by Frances Cook.Rental property law is a bone of contention currently, with proposed changes to how the system works. It could have a huge impact on people's lives, as there’s about 600,000 rental homes in New Zealand, and 1.5 million of us live in them. The Government has announced a raft of possible changes, which if passed would be the biggest changes to tenancy laws since 1986. Landlords are nervous, and particularly pushing back on the idea of scrapping "no-cause terminations" - the ability to tell tenants they need to leave without giving a reason. But it's not just rentals, there is also problems with our housing stock more generally. The latest Stats NZ data shows mould is a problem in more than a third of NZ homes. It is more prevalent in rental homes than owner-occupied. For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Herald journalists Anne Gibson and Ben Leahy. We discussed what the debated changes would mean for New Zealanders, if the tenancy tribunal needs more teeth, and how to make sure housing isn't hurting our health. For the interviews, listen to the podcast. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's what we can all do to help those in mental distress. Hosted by Frances Cook.It’s no secret that New Zealand has a mental health problem, but many of us can feel paralysed if a friend tells us they’re having trouble. Especially if we're not entirely sure what they're going through; while many of us have heard of depression, there's much less talk about what it's like when you're dealing with OCD, or psychosis. So journalist Juliette Sivertsen decided to find out what it's like for people going through different types of challenges, and the support that actually helped them in their dark moments. She talked to people who have gone through mental distress, and their support people, for the new podcast Just Listen. Juliette came on the Front Page podcast to talk about why the series was important, anything that surprised her while working on it, and the duty of care journalists have when working on such subjects. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's why the SkyCity fire raged so far out of control, and what to expect next. Hosted by Frances Cook.More than 100,000 New Zealand student loan borrowers are living overseas, and some now say they feel trapped there, unable to even come home for funerals. Hundreds have made the decision to declare bankruptcy, while others have taken the risk of coming home, and been arrested at the airport. Others have stayed in New Zealand, but put off having children or buying a home, saying they simply can't afford it. The Herald's Simon Collins looked into the problem for the Generation Debt series, and took us behind the scenes for the latest Front Page podcast. Read more of his series here: Generation Debt: Ex-Kiwi student loan borrowers scared to come home https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12268861Generation Debt: Student loan for life was 'well worth it' https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12267976Generation Debt: How student loans have defined a generation https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12265965If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's why the SkyCity fire raged so far out of control, and what to expect next. Hosted by Frances Cook.A shocking blaze at the $700m SkyCity convention centre has brought Auckland to a standstill, with 150 firefighters battling the fire at its peak. As the fire raged, smoke filled the central business district, with many reporting sore throats, burning eyes, and coughing. The fire is now under control, but firefighters say they expect to be at the site for days, dampening down hotspots. How on earth could this fire rage out of control in modern times, and how bad will this be for our economy?To answer common questions the newsroom was sent during the fire, Anna Leask and Anne Gibson came on The Front Page podcast. We discussed what made the fire so challening to put out, whether there were problems with the building construction, and how far into the millions the damage could go. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the escalating problems in housing, and how it impacts us all. Hosted by Frances Cook.A new investigation is sounding a warning that thousands more New Zealanders are in danger of homelessness, with demand for state housing far outstripping the rate at which it's being built. Some commentators are warning that people living in caravan parks and motels becomes our new normal. It particularly spells trouble for working parents, and those about to hit retirement. But it impacts everyone, with the wider housing issue leaving New Zealand with the highest house prices relative to income in the OECD. The past 30 years has seen falling home-ownership rates, a lack of new rentals, and rising rents. It's this wider trend which has priced working families out of private rentals, and into state housing, or homelessness. For the latest Front Page I spoke with investigative journalist Kirsty Johnston about what she uncovered, and the small number of solutions available. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's miniscule numbers of people voting in local elections, and what needs to change. Hosted by Frances Cook.Local body elections are closing this weekend, but are already marred by plummeting voter turnout in many areas. At the last available count, 22.6 per cent of Auckland's voters have had a say. Meanwhile in Wellington, as of Wednesday, only 25.4 per cent have cast a vote. Some, even the Prime Minister herself, are suggesting this means it's time to change. Jacinda Ardern has stated she wants online voting to be an option in the 2022 local elections. But do we blame lazy voters, uninspiring council candidates, or the system itself? Herald super city reporter Bernard Orsman and Herald Wellington issues reporter Georgina Campbell joined me on the latest Front Page podcast.We talked about what they've seen going wrong, whether online voting will fix it, and who's really to blame. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the changing nature of trade, and how it impacts New Zealand. Hosted by Frances Cook.The world trade environment has profoundly changed over the past few years, as world superpowers the United States and United Kingdom both retreat into protectionism. It's not just about money, but relationships, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern showed when she started a trade agreement to fight climate change. Ardern announced the launch of negotiations for the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) at the United Nations in New York last week.The agreement includes goals like removing tariffs on environmental products, but so far only five countries have signed up. Meanwhile the World Trade Organisation has cut its forecast for trade growth by more than half, and issued a warning that living standards and jobs could take a hit. Back in New Zealand, the September ANZ Business Outlook Survey shows business confidence falling once again. So as the US and UK take a step back from the world stage, does it mean lean times for the rest of us, or will something or someone else fill the vacuum? Herald business editor at large Liam Dann came on the Front Page podcast to discuss these issues, and where it leaves New Zealand.If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The protests in Hong Kong have now been going for more than 100 days, and it seems neither side is willing to give up. It started with plans to allow extraditions to mainland China, but has now grown into a wider movement questioning the entire relationship between Hong Kong and the mainland.Herald reporter Keith Ng has been on the ground in Hong Kong, and joined me on the Front Page to talk about the levels of anger in Hong Kong, what's at stake, and why NZ needs to be careful not to become a pawn. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the Covering Climate Now campaign, and the groundswell of urgency. Hosted by Frances Cook.Climate change is an issue that's being treated with increasing urgency, as voters take up the cause, and politicians take notice. Data from the Pew Research Centre shows that internationally, 67 per cent of us see climate change as a major threat to our country.That number is from the median of respondents in 23 countries in 2018. It's a jump up from 56 per cent in 2013.But the issue has been bubbling away for decades. The first report on climate change by a New Zealand government was commissioned in 1988, a year when David Lange was Labour Prime Minister, the first Die Hard movie was in cinemas and All Black Ryan Crotty was born.So why are people suddenly wanting change now? And, is all of this awareness and urgency just too little, too late?For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Herald science reporter Jamie Morton.We discussed the best and worst case scenarios, why it's taken so long to act, and what the average person can do to make an impact. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the troubling details of foreign political donations. Hosted by Frances Cook.Serious questions are being raised about political donations and whether they're leaving us open to foreign interference. A Herald investigation has found former trade minister Todd McClay helped arrange a $150,000 donation from Chinese racing industry billionaire Lin Lang, begging the question of what was expected in return. The donation was made through a New Zealand-registered company after chairman and owner Lin Lang met then trade-minister Todd McClay in Beijing and Rotorua. The revelations a Minister was involved in facilitating National's largest donation of the most recent electoral cycle - with the cash coming from a foreign-owned business - comes as Parliament mulls how to counter foreign interference in New Zealand's political system. The justice select committee is currently deliberating on reforming the country's electoral finance laws, having heard from NZSIS director Rebecca Kitteridge in a rare briefing, saying foreign donations are a vector of concern.For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to the journalist who uncovered the story, investigative journalist Matt Nippert. We discussed why the donation raised eyebrows, what the SIS are concerned about, and if change to our donations system is likely. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's where to draw the line when holding politicians to account. Hosted by Frances Cook.Australian radio host Alan Jones practically caused a trans-Tasman diplomatic incident after saying on air that our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern needed a sock shoved "down her throat", and that Aussie PM Scott Morrison should give her "a few backhanders".It's led to widespread backlash, and big name advertisers leaving his show in droves. But Jacinda Ardern isn't just anyone, she's the Prime Minister, and leads a country, so where does strong criticism cross the line?For this week's Front Page podcast I talked to NZ Herald editor Murray Kirkness, and political reporter Jason Walls. We discussed what sparked the comments from Jones, the political reaction, and where reporters draw the line when covering such stories. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the worrying financials of Fonterra, and what it means for our farmers. Hosted by Frances Cook.Fonterra's numbers aren't looking good, with the dairy giant saying it expects a full-year loss of $675 million. It's the second annual loss in a row, and comes when Federated Farmers surveys already show farmers are the most pessimistic they've been in a decade. The co-op says it won't pay a dividend for the year to July 31 so that it can pay off debt.The one silver lining is that it seems farmer will still get paid for their milk. Fonterra says its $6.30-$6.40 per kg milk price for the 2018/19 season will remain in place, as will the current forecast for 2019/20 of $6.25 to $7.25 kg.But that doesn't mean it's plain sailing, as the lack of dividend will bite, and Fonterra still needs to prove it's correcting course. For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Herald business journalist Jamie Gray about where these problems came from, if farmers should worry, and how much blame former CEO Theo Spierings should get. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the increasing numbers of highly wealthy people, and the problem of how to tax them. Hosted by Frances Cook.The number of super-rich in New Zealand has increased by 75 per cent in the past five years. That means 350 people here are worth more than $50 million. But with these very rich people comes problems with how we make sure everyone pays their fair share of tax. Some of those individuals are currently in disputes with the IRD over more than $85 million in potential tax.It can be a nightmare to solve, with complex trusts, international income streams, and highly powered lawyers and accountants ready to protect it. For the latest Front Page podcast, I talked to investigative reporter Matt Nippert and business editor at large Liam Dann. We discussed why there has been a boom in wealth, if the IRD is outgunned, and how the big multinational companies add an extra layer of tax complication. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookRead more on the Herald investigation into the super-rich and tax, here https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12252697See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's how a lack of money is causing serious health problems. Hosted by Frances Cook.Major problems are bubbling up in our health system, and the root cause always seems to come back to a lack of resources and money. We've seen it within the last week, where a series of Herald investigations uncovered serious issues with maternal healthcare, and vaccination rates of our children. A watchdog found women with a life-threatening condition weren't treated properly because of a lack of hospital staff.The investigations point to capacity problems extending beyond maternity services at Counties Manukau DHB, where problems like a lack of staff contributed to the recent death or stillbirth of three babies.Apex Union has also warned life-saving diagnoses of conditions like cancer could be delayed for South Aucklanders because of a workforce crisis.Meanwhile vaccination rates are dropping across the country as fewer families immunise their babies. But while the debate has been centred around the impact of the anti-vaxx movement, the numbers paint a different picture. Data shows the plummeting vaccination rates are being driven largely by the failure to immunise babies born into poor or Māori families - not by parents deliberately opting out.Herald investigative journalists Nick Jones and Kirsty Johnston came on the Front Page podcast to talk about what's happening, and if there's any political appetite to fix it. If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookYou can read more about their investigations here: Sepsis warning for pregnant women: Hospital staffing 'inadequate', watchdog finds https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12251014Counties Manukau DHB rejects 'alarmist' claims about possible X-ray and CT scan delays https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12252300PM Jacinda Ardern on strained Middlemore maternity services: 'consistent underfunding' https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12251667Anti-vaxx debate: Vaccination rates plummet for NZ babies https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12250703See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each week The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. Today it's the disturbing stories coming out about Oranga Tamariki. Hosted by Frances Cook.Four inquiries are under way into Oranga Tamariki, the organisation that is supposed to keep vulnerable children safe from harm. There was video of a highly distressing baby uplift, and since then, plenty of other worrying stories have come out of the woodwork. Over the weekend, Māori from across the country packed out an Auckland hui for the launch of one of the inquiries into Oranga Tamariki.Organisers said being Māori-led would make it easier for some participants who had been dealing with Oranga Tamariki their entire lives to open up.Meanwhile a Herald investigation uncovered another failing, after a judge strongly criticised Oranga Tamariki for planning to send the child of a drug-trafficking mother back to the country of his birth, despite evidence criminal gangs might sell him to cover his parent's debts.To get to the bottom of what's going wrong, and what's being suggested to fix it, on the latest Front Page podcast I talk to Newstalk ZB's Jake McKee and Herald investigative journalist David Fisher. For more on David Fisher's investigation, click here https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12248199 If you have questions about Herald investigations, or want to stay up to date on social media, you can find host Frances Cook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.