The Front Page

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 government changes aimed at getting you into a greener car. Hosted by Frances Cook.This podcast was first available a week earlier, to Herald Premium subscribers. The Government is making green cars cheaper, and the big polluters more expensive. It's only for newly imported vehicles, and aims to make it an easier choice for people to pick lower emission cars. But New Zealand is a geographically big country, with a small number of people trying to get from A to B.For years, we've relied on cars to get us there. Besides, if cars are switched over to electric, is that enough to solve climate change? There will still be congestion, petrol taxes needed to pay for our roads, and what about other forms of transport like flying? It's a complicated issue, but our journalists have dived into it. There are already changes under way in other transport areas apart from cars, and it looks like the Labour-led Government also has a few more cards to play. I talked to Herald political journalist Jason Walls and energy writer Grant Bradley for the latest Front Page. 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 plastic bag ban, and what really needs to happen to protect our environment. Hosted by Frances Cook.Single use plastic bags are now banned, as the Government tries to crack down on pointless waste in our lives. It's surely one of the smaller changes we'll need to make as climate change looms, but still the fury from some about losing their plastic bags has been intense.The rules apply to any type of plastic less than 70 microns in thickness, that's new or un-used, has carry handles, is provided for carrying sold goods, and is made of bio-based materials like starch.The law also covers bags made of plastics that are degradable, biodegradable or oxo-degradable.It comes as the Government also spends $40 million from its Provincial Growth Fund on crowd-sourcing ideas to reduce the amount of plastic waste in New Zealand.So is this pointless symbolism, or the first step of many needed to change the unsustainable way we're living? For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Herald science reporter Jamie Morton about what the ban impacts, the science behind it, and what conservationists say needs to happen next. I also talked to Herald lifestyle reporter Rebecca Blithe, who is attempting to go plastic-free, about how that works in the realities of modern life. If you want to know how Rebecca's challenge goes, keep an eye out for the final results in the July 15 edition of Be Well, in the Herald and online. 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 how ANZ got into trouble, and how worried we should be about it. Hosted by Frances Cook.ANZ is in hot water lately, with its CEO departing under a cloud. There are questions over how much he enjoyed perks he wasn't entitled to, like filing expenses for wine storage and travel, as well as a strange house sale.There are also issues around whether the bank was operating properly, with the Reserve Bank pulling ANZ's accreditation to run its own operational risk capital requirements back in May.It comes at a time of low trust for the banking sector generally, with a Royal Commission finding disturbing things in Australia. There has been a conduct and culture review here in NZ, but some are now calling for our own Royal Commission. Herald business editor at large Liam Dann has been keeping a watchful eye on the saga, and came on the Front Page podcast to unravel the confusion. We discussed how the controversy could change the banking sector, whether there's a crisis of public confidence, and whether more heads will roll. 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 mood for change in transport, and whether it will actually happen. Hosted by Frances Cook.Emotions run hot over traffic in this country, and it's no wonder when you see how frustrating our transport systems can be.Well the debate is now wide open again, as the Government gave $1 billion for rail in the latest budget.KiwiRail will get the funding over two years, with $375 million for new wagons and locomotives, and $331m earmarked for buying new tracks and supporting other infrastructure.On the other hand, the NZTA is debating lowering speed limits for our dangerous roads.The Agency estimates about 87 per cent of speed limits in New Zealand are too high for the conditions.For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Herald senior writer Simon Wilson about where this debate is headed. We discussed whether there's a "war on cars", whether the funding boost for rail will be enough, and whether we're giving enough thought to alternative modes of transport. 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 whether we can trust polls any more. Hosted by Frances Cook.People love to rag on political polls, and for the latest lot, they might actually have a point. Newshub and 1 News released polls on the same night that showed drastically different results. One where Labour plummeted and National came out ahead, the other where Labour could govern alone. What on earth is going on, and how can two reputable polls have such entirely different results? It's not the first time either, with pollsters missing Brexit, and the election on Donald Trump. Polls have long been a way to check the mood of the nation, and sometimes important decisions are made on the basis of them. But now you could be forgiven for thinking we should give up on them entirely. Herald reporter Damien Venuto has investigated this, and the answers are fascinating. We discussed the many elements that can make a poll go wrong, and how the experts want to change things. To read Damien's full story on the issue, click here https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12238919 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 you need to know about changes in our housing market around the country. Hosted by Frances Cook.If you've paid the slightest attention to the news over the past few years, you will have noticed house prices shooting up - causing happiness for those who already own, and anxiety for those who want to get on to the property ladder. The latest OneRoof Property Report sheds light on whether that's still the case, and what's happening now. It finds an interesting two-track system. While Auckland is coming off the boil, and prices going down in some areas, the rest of the country is still seeing prices going up. But you also need to know what to look for beyond the headline figures. Part of the price drop is the boom in sales of affordable homes. First-home buyers seem to have decided that now is their time, making up 29 per cent of new mortgages. While they make hay, those with more expensive properties seem to be holding back, waiting for prices to bounce back in their favour. To break down the figures and what it means for regular people, I talked to OneRoof editor Owen Vaughan, and James Wilson from Valocity. 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 rising fear we're not doing enough to save our planet. Hosted by Frances Cook.Eco-anxiety is on the rise, with a growing sense that we're not doing enough to look after our environment and fight the looming threat of climate change. People are dealing with it in different ways.Some are swearing off having children, convinced we won't do enough in time to save the planet. They don't want their children to face the reality of what we're leaving behind. Others are taking part in direct political pressure, like school strikes for climate.But as movements like the school strikes become larger and more mainstream, the question is when it will be enough to push politicians to act. For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Herald reporter Michael Neilson and science reporter Jamie Morton. We discussed whether the tide of public opinion is turning, and what options are open to people who want to see change.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 movement to tackle our entrenched domestic violence problem. Hosted by Frances Cook.Every year one million New Zealanders are affected by family or sexual violence.It's a shocking number, and one that both the Government and private groups seem determined to bring down. The Government has just pledged to spend $320 million on initiatives aimed at preventing family and sexual violence, and breaking the cycle of violence.The pre-Budget announcement is, according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the largest ever Government spend on family and sexual violence and support services.Meanwhile, new research from Women's Refuge reveals a huge number of women delay leaving abusive relationships because they fear what will happen to their pets.The first Pet Refuge is now being set up, removing one of the barriers to people escaping domestic violence. But are these moves enough when the problem is so entrenched in New Zealand? For the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Herald political journalist Jason Walls, and senior crime reporter Anna Leask. If you want to donate to the Pet Refuge, click here https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/6092-pet-refuge-shelter-fit-out' target='_blank 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 needs to come next, after the Christchurch Call to Action summit in Paris. Hosted by Frances Cook.The world was shocked when a gunman went on a rampage in Christchurch, weaponising social media to livestream gunning down innocent people. Now world powers are deciding what to do about it, with the Christchurch Call summit held in Paris. Seventeen countries, the European Commission, and eight major tech companies signed up to a widespread agreement to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. But the accord is voluntary, and in another blow to the strength of the agreement, the United States has opted out. The question now is what more can be done, who should do it, and what further threats are lurking in the shadows of the internet. So for the latest Front Page podcast I talked to Catalyst IT managing director Don Christie. 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 second wave of meth swamping New Zealand communities. Hosted by Frances Cook. New Zealand has been fighting meth for 20 years, and yet it's now more available than ever. A new documentary from the NZ Herald talks to drug users, drug dealers, police and rehabilitation specialists, to get to the bottom of what is going wrong. The result is a gripping insight into the lives of those struggling with addiction, and the frustration of those fighting a losing battle against the second wave of meth.For this week's Front Page podcast, I talked to investigative journalist Kirsty Johnston and visual journalist Mike Scott, about how they gained the trust of vulnerable people, and what it was like to work intensively on such a difficult topic for six months. To watch the documentary, click here https://www.nzherald.co.nz/indepth/national/new-zealands-meth-crisis-documentary/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 shocking rise of amputations caused by diabetes. Hosted by Frances Cook.In New Zealand, a first-world country, people are losing limbs when they don't need to. They are suffering from diabetes, and a medical system overwhelmed with patients isn't able to keep up.Crucial preventive care is missed, leading to infection, amputation, and sometimes death. Investigative journalist Nick Jones has found that, in the past four years, New Zealand has had more lower-limb amputee cases from diabetes than were performed on returned soldiers from World War I. The cases have increased 40 per cent over the past 10 years, and are now approaching 1000 per year. On this week's Front Page podcast, host Frances Cook talks to Nick about how he uncovered this story, the balance between sensitivity and the raw truth, and what needs to happen next. To read more from Nick's series, you can see the story of our hidden amputation shame here https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12222478, or read the personal trauma of Pam Abraham's amputation here https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12222501 If you like 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.

They say a change is as good as a holiday...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sweeping audit has revealed our environment is under attack from virtually every direction – with climate change now also adding to the pressure.The Government's Environment Aotearoa 2019 report gives a largely bleak stocktake of our natural heritage.Problems range from polluted waterways in farming areas and our myriad under-threat species, to our dismally high per-capita emissions and the emerging hand of climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There will be no capital gains tax.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Cabinet could not reach a consensus.She says she still believes such a tax would have made a difference, but a Government that reflects the majority of New Zealanders has not been able to find support for this proposal.Ardern says the Labour Party has campaigned on this for three elections, but it's now off the table.She has pledged that under her leadership, Labour will no longer campaign for or implement a CGT.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The growing number of New Zealanders who do not own their homes are in for a tough retirement.That's according to a study out of the University of Otago that argues for a revamp of NZ Super to better protect Kiwis who will still be paying a mortgage when they stop working. Data from the Commission for Financial Capability says that while today 70 per cent of people over 65 are mortgage-free, another 13 per cent are homeowners with some mortgage.But for those nearing retirement, the 55-64 year olds, only one third of them have paid off the mortgage. Another nearly one third of this generation don't own a home at all.And in the plight of a New Zealand nurse kidnapped by Isis, disagreement has broken out between our Government and the Red Cross.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New Zealand nurse has been held captive by Islamic state for almost six years - but until now, it was kept secret. Louisa Akavi's identity was kept under wraps until today because of fears it would put her life in danger.The 62-year-old nurse was named in the New York Times today with confirmation from the International Committee of the Red Cross.It effectively ends a five and a half year agreement by media around the world to not name her, or her nationality, because of concerns held by the New Zealand Government that she would be killed by her captors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real Estate Institute data out today revealed a whopping 12.9% drop in sales volumes in the last month. It's significant not only because of the figure, but because at this time of year, sales volumes are normally very strong. In fact, typically the number of sales usually sit well over the 7000 mark - but 6938 sales was the lowest number of properties sold for the month of March since 2011. The median number of days to sell a property increased by two days from 34 to 36 last month compared to March last year.In Auckland, it took five days longer to sell last month.REINZ is putting these figures down to banks, the Government and the prospect of a capital gains tax causing uncertainty. Chief executive Bindi Norwell says mortgage interest rates have never been cheaper, but the legislative changes on the horizon, and the difficulty accessing finance are now starting to impact the housing market, in terms of sales volumes. Also today, a report confirms Chorus failed to prevent migrant worker exploitation by subcontractors, and the gruelling journey that lies ahead for one of the youngest survivors of the Al Noor mosque shooting. Hosted by Juliette SivertsenTwitter: @j_sivertsenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports stars and politicians are united in their condemnation of homophobia today, after Israel Folau once again used social media to attack the gay community. Tasmania has just become the first Australian jurisdiction to make gender an option on birth certificates.After the announcement, the Wallabies star took to Twitter to tell people to repent, and "turn away" from their evil ways.The tweet has been widely shared and commented on, with most people having a negative view of his comments.And new gun laws are coming into force, even though some of the details haven't been worked out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most New Zealand fashion retailers are doing a good job of looking after the people who make their clothes, but some brands have work to do.Department store Farmers was among those who got a poor ranking in this year's Ethical Fashion report by relief and development groups Tearfund and Baptist World Aid Australia.Farmers is one of 10 New Zealand retailers to receive an F or D ranking for supply chain transparency, worker rights and policies to prevent child and forced labour. Others include Baby City, Trelise Cooper, World and Merric.One hundred and thirty companies were graded by Tearfund on their ethical supply and manufacturing practices.Also today, an Austrian oil giant has unveiled one of the most ambitious oil and gas drilling programmes proposed in New Zealand, and the Government reveals details of its new gun buyback scheme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tighter gun laws are now almost reality, and we've have our first look at what the details of that would be.The bill banning military-style semi-automatics and assault rifles was back in front of Parliament today, and the Government wants it to be law by Friday. There are just two exemptions to the tougher rules.But with the country on high alert, Anzac Day services are being cancelled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook has been labelled 'morally bankrupt, pathological liars', by New Zealand's Privacy Commissioner.John Edwards used Twitter last night to post his most pointed attack on the social network yet, although he has been heavily critical since the platform was used to livestream the terror attack in Christchurch. He says the social network cannot be trusted, as they are 'morally bankrupt pathological liars', who 'enabled genocide' in Myanmar, and allow the foreign undermining of democratic governments. And the Prime Minister has announced new details into the Royal Commission of inquiry into the mosque terror attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today was the first High Court appearance for the 28-year-old man accused of the Christchurch mosque attacks. Because he's being held at New Zealand's maximum security prison in Paremoremo, he appeared through audio-visual link from custody in the High Court at Christchurch today. Naturally there was a significant media presence, with more than two dozen reporters from New Zealand and around the world, along with eight police officers and several security staff. He faces 50 murder charges and 39 attempted murder charges.But it was also revealed today, he's getting legal aid - government funded legal representation.Hosted by Juliette Sivertsen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catholic cross-emblazoned knights on horses have been scrapped from the Crusaders' pre-match entertainment, after the Christchurch mosque attacks.The Canterbury team have been considering moving away from the association with the Crusades, a religious war started by the Latin Church against Muslims.Today, they've announced the Crusaders Horsemen won't feature in the rest of this year's games, including this weekend's match.And the team have engaged Research First to look at two options for their future: keeping the Crusaders name, but changing the imagery of knights on horseback - or scrapping the name in a complete rebrand.NZ Rugby boss Steve Tew says maintaining the status quo is no longer an option, as the association with the religious Crusades is too strong.Also today, how the markets reacted to the shock departure of Simon Moutter from Spark, and why are so many New Zealanders still being scammed online? Hosted by Juliette SivertsenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacinda Ardern has finished her whirlwind visit to Beijing with a clear message from the Chinese President ... our two countries must trust each other.In his opening remarks to Jacinda Ardern, Xi Jinping spoke about taking an already very good relationship to new heights but also said the two countries had to trust each other.Meanwhile Huawei is stepping up to the plate, saying it would be willing to have its staff banned from Spark's 5G mobile network, or have only a small number of GSCB-vetted engineers tend to it, if that's what it takes to regain the GCSB's favour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A series of public debates start tonight to discuss moves to legalise euthanasia, as new figures show a huge majority of people are against the idea.More than 90 per cent of Kiwis who made submissions on the euthanasia bill say no to assisted dying.The Care Alliance analysed virtually all of the more than 38,000 submissions made to Parliament's justice select committee on Act leader David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill.And the Prime Minister has flown almost ten and a half thousand kilometres to Beijing, in an attempt to defrost the relationship with China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spoken and sung words of unity and hope, have resounded throughout Christchurch's Hagley Park. Event organisers estimate 20 to 25 thousand people attended the National Remembrance service in the city today, two weeks to the day since the March 15 mosque shootings, where 50 people were killed.Another tribute service was then held in Auckland this afternoon. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received a standing ovation when she declared racism was unwelcome in her country, and suggested New Zealand could become the cure for hatred. Also today, racism has been in part blamed for preventable deaths among some NZ communities, the City of Sails becomes the City of Cranes, and an Auckland village is outraged after thieves stole a much-loved cafe identity - Bozo the clown. Hosted by Juliette Sivertsen. twitter.com/j_sivertsenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movement at last from Facebook.It's banning white nationalism and white separatism, in the wake of the mosque attacks.The social media giant says such views, deeply linked to organised hate groups, have no place on its Facebook and Instagram sites.It will ban the praise, support and representation of those views from the start of next week.Facebook has also acknowledged it needs to be better and faster at finding and removing hate from its platforms, such as posts supporting the Christchurch attacks.However, it hasn't fully quietened the worldwide criticism. And a historic pay equity settlement has had unintended consequences, with workers in women-dominated industries saying their hours have been cut or they have been bullied into working longer or harder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man has died from stab wounds after a protracted standoff with armed police in a Christchurch suburban street.Police are now investigating whether the dead man had any link to the March 15 mosque attacks.The 54-year-old man had been sought in relation to a firearms incident yesterday.After a tip-off from a member of the public, a search warrant was executed at a St Martins property late yesterday and police discovered a cache of firearms.The man was located by police in a stopped vehicle in the Richmond Park area about 12.30am this morning.The Police Negotiation Team spoke with the man for several hours, and eventually approached to find him in a critical condition. He died at the scene of a suspected stab wound. Also today, tragedy on the West Coast after a woman was washed away in floodwaters, and the New Zealand Defence Forces mourns one of its Navy sailors, who died in a training exercise in Devonport this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political and business leaders worldwide are turning against social media giants, in the wake of the Christchurch terror attacks. Representatives from Facebook, YouTube-owner Google and Twitter are meeting with the Australian Prime Minister this afternoon, where it's expected they will be threatened with new restrictions and 'significant' penalties. Ahead of the meeting, Scott Morrison said we need to prevent social media platforms being weaponised. Morrison has already said he wants to put a multi-country social media crackdown on the agenda for June's G20 meeting.Meanwhile New Zealand's biggest advertisers are stepping up their boycott of Facebook advertising, writing a joint letter calling on the international advertising community to join the action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a Royal Commission of Inquiry will be held into the Christchurch mosques terror attack.She says people are asking how the attack, in which 50 people died and dozens more injured, was able to take place, including how the alleged gunman obtained the weapons, the role of social media and the role of agencies.Ardern says she also has questions.The inquiry will focus on whether security agencies were focused the right way and whether there were any clues that were missed.And an Al Noor Mosque shooting survivor is looking for the woman who saved her and her baby's life, hoping she can thank her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today at 1.30pm all of New Zealand came to a halt to remember the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks a week ago. It started with a call to prayer, followed by two minutes silence. It was marked in cities around the country, and even some overseas. Fifty people, of Muslim religion, died in the terrorist attack perpetrated by one accused gunman. 48 were wounded, some critically, including a 4-year-old girl who is still fighting for her life.And an industry training body is threatening to go to the High Court and the Waitangi Tribunal to delay a radical shakeup of the country's training system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Military style semi-automatics and assault rifles will be banned under stronger new gun laws announced today.The country's rules around guns have been in the spotlight since last Friday's mosque shootings in Christchurch, where 50 people died and many more were wounded.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has just revealed the changes in a press conference.And a security expert says New Zealand's strong show of solidarity and support for its Muslim community following Friday's attacks is key to keeping the country safe from any revenge attacks.A high-ranking member of ISIS called for revenge after the Christhurch terror attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There'll be a two-minute silence on Friday, to remember the victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks. Jacinda Ardern made the announcement in Christchurch today, following a meeting with St John first responders and addressing an assembly at Cashmere High School this morning. Ardern also met with Muslim community leaders, and acknowledged their "resolve" to support those who are grieving. Ardern discussed with them and with local authorities a national memorial service.She said it would be held in Christchurch, but was looking at how to involve the rest of the country too. She acknowledged that many people wanted to support Muslims to return to their mosques, and to mark a week since the massacre. There will be a two-minute silence on Friday, and a call to prayer, broadcast on RNZ and TVNZ. Also today, a court appearance for another person who shared the gunman's video, a woman's arrested for hate speech, and a teenager is jailed for killing a security guard with a single punch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The families of the fallen will have justice.That's the vow of our Prime Minister in the wake of the mosque massacre.In delivering her message of condolence in the House, Jacinda Ardern says the man at the centre of this attack will face the full force of the law.She says he sought notoriety - but New Zealand will give him nothing, not even his name.Ardern says she will never mention his name.And she's imploring others to speak the names of those who were lost - rather than the name of the man who took them.In other news, the incoming director of Auckland's Art Gallery steps down over allegations of harassment, Wellington Central Library to close indefinitely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced there will be reform of gun laws. She says Cabinet has made "in principal" decisions about the changes, and there will be change within 10 days. She did not say what those changes would be, but said media would be told within a week. A total of 50 victims have been confirmed dead after Friday's terror attack on two Christchurch mosques, with the dead ranging in age from 2 to older than 60Many more were wounded, with 33 still in hospital.Ardern says there will also be an inquiry, to find out what government agencies knew, or should have known, and whether the attack could have been prevented. It will focus on the GCSB, SIS, police, and customs. NZers have also come together to prove the terror attacks will not divide the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gunmen have opened fire at mosques in Christchurch, with reports of between nine and 27 people killed and police urging residents to stay indoors. One man is in custody.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called it "one of New Zealand's darkest days".One of the gunmen broadcast live as he shot victims.Ardern described the event as "extreme and unprecedented violence".Police were "actively managing the situation" and confirmed multiple fatalities. The multiple fatalities were at two locations - a mosque at Deans Ave and one at Linwood Ave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greens co-leader James Shaw is "shaken" after being injured in a violent attack on his way to Parliament this morning.Shaw was punched in the face in an apparently unprovoked attack as he walked to work through central Wellington.A party spokesperson says Shaw was confronted by a man who stepped out, spoke to him and identified him then hit him in the head.Shaw suffered a black eye in the attack. Thankfully two passers-by came to Shaw's aid. And there are fears support for the disabled is being quietly cut person by person after the Ministry of Health backed down on sector-wide funding changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elderly lives are on the line as overworked rest home workers are resulting in residents not even bothering to ask for help.A shocking new report, In Safe Hands, has been released by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation and E tū, after surveying over a thousand people working in aged care. It's revealed some rest home residents are dying as a result of just six minutes of care an hour. Patients are even trying to ration their own care to help overworked staff - including one case of a man dying from an infected wound.It was reported the man saw how over-worked the staff were and didn't want to be a burden by reporting his infected wound.Further information about the tragic death is not being made publicly available as it was collected through an anonymous survey and is still being looked into.Also today, a new development in the investigation into allegations Kiwi soldiers covered up the killing of Afghan civilians, and breast cancer patients deliver an impassioned plea to Parliament.Hosted by Juliette Sivertsen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have referred Jami-Lee Ross' complaint about National's election donations to the Serious Fraud Office.Ross was kicked out of the National Party last year. In October he went to police with details of alleged donation fraud in which he claimed leader Simon Bridges was a "corrupt politician with no moral compass".The Botany MP claims Bridges had asked him to collect a $100,000 donation from businessman Yikun Zhang in May which was then split into smaller amounts to hide it. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Zhang.A police statement today says the complaint was referred to the SFO as they hold the appropriate mandate to look into the matters raised by the investigation to date.And Eric Watson faces a a monster tax bill, after losing one of the biggest IRD cases in NZ history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first signs of a thaw in the relationship between New Zealand and China, with China-New Zealand Year of Tourism back on. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has just announced at her post-Cabinet press conference that the new opening ceremony be held on the 29 of March.When the delay to the launch of the New Zealand/China year of tourism was revealed by The Herald last month, Ardern said it was because of "scheduling issues".It was meant to be launched in mid-February but was postponed by the Chinese.The delay raised eyebrows considering it was at the same time as New Zealand security officials raised questions about Huawei providing 5G services in New Zealand. And a restructure of Vodafone could see hundreds of jobs going offshore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's International Women's Day - but as many of us know, there's still a lot of work to be done. And that sentiment's been echoed today by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Speaking at an event in Parliament this morning, she says the work will be done, when gender doesn't feature in the minds of girls and young women. She says as long as we have a country where women are over-represented in intimate partner violence, over-represented in low-paid work, as long as there is a gender pay gap, then all of us will only celebrate to a certain degree, knowing there is plenty more work to be done. Ardern says New Zealand's a trail blazer in giving women the vote, but we need to keep progressing. Also today: a horror crash near tourist hotspot Tekapo has claimed three lives, and the heartbreaking sudden death of an Auckland photographer who was nine months pregnant.Hosted by Juliette Sivertsen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

District health boards have anti-vaxxers in their sights, saying diseases almost eradicated in New Zealand are being seen again.DHB members went to Parliament to answer health select committee questions, including why increasing numbers of parents are refusing to have their children immunised.Bay of Plenty DHB chief executive Helen Mason says they have achieved five of the six health targets set by the previous government, but "immunisation hasn't moved and has actually deteriorated. [she says] It really, really worries us."The DHB has tried things including reconfiguring its immunisation service and adopting methods used by successful DHBs but it was at the point where it needed to do something completely different, she said.Board chairwoman Sally Webb says the issue of anti-vaxxers and their negative effects is something that needs to be looked at nationally. The warning comes amidst a measles outbreak in Canterbury.There's been an outbreak of influenza-like symptoms among the Otago student population.Also in today's Front Page, shots fired at a New Zealand school, Queenstown wants a visitor levy, and a viral video shows we've all been eating pineapple wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Medical Association is the latest to join the chorus of voices pleading for more affordable dental care.The association represents doctors including GPs and specialists.On Monday the Herald revealed Waitematā DHB wants a "comprehensive dental service for all New Zealanders", after concern about desperate Kiwis queuing at hospital pain clinics, showing up at ED, or even performing gruesome "DIY dentistry".Medical Association chairwoman Dr Kate Baddock says dental decay is "the most prevalent chronic, yet irreversible, disease in New Zealand".And New Zealand's demand for hard drugs has been laid bare in a new report from the United Nations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kiwi jihadi Mark Taylor has sparked a political backlash, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters particularly going on the offensive.Taylor, a former New Zealand soldier who only has New Zealand citizenship, is being held in a Syrian prison.He surrendered to Kurdish forces because life under Isis had become unbearable.Taylor previously earned notoriety and was dubbed the 'bumbling jihadi', after accidentally giving away the location of Isis fighters on Twitter.Now politicians across the spectrum are making it clear he won't get much help from New Zealand. And a teenager admits bludgeoning a sleeping friend to death, after earlier suggested to others, "shall we kill Oliver?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi who joined Islamic State has surrendered to Kurdish forces and is being held in a Syrian prison.Mark Taylor, a former New Zealand soldier, says he was a border guard for Isis after joining the terror group in 2014.The former Hamilton resident was infamously dubbed the "bumbling jihadi", after mistakenly revealing his location in the Middle East on social media.Now there are questions over whether he will return to NZ, and how our government will handle his case. Auckland houses have hit a ten year low, with realtor Barfoot & Thompson having its quietest month in the last 10 years to February, and sales down 28 per cent from a year earlier.It comes as a OneRoof Property Report shows just a third of NZ homes are mortgage-free, despite the current low interest rates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A police officer has been charged with indecently assaulting a fellow cop.The 28-year-old accused appeared this afternoon in the Auckland District Court before Judge David Burns.The policeman was arrested this morning and charged with indecent assault and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection.He pleaded not guilty to both charges.The alleged offences occurred on February 5 in Northland, according to court documents viewed by the Herald.The man's lawyer, Paul Borich QC, sought interim name suppression for his client.Further details about the case were also suppressed.Also today, dramatic scenes unfolded on the Auckland waterfront as a seaplane crashed into the harbour, and the city's Lime scooters are set to return this weekend. Hosted by Juliette SivertsenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have charged almost five people a day with strangling or suffocating their partners since a new family violence law came into force criminalising such acts in December.New Zealand has the worst rate of family and intimate-partner violence in the developed world and police are called to an incident every four minutes.The new legislation criminalising strangulation and suffocation was brought in in a bid to curb the problem. Previously there was no separate offence for strangulation as it was treated as assault.The first person was charged the day it came into force on December 3.Since then 416 people in total have been charged, around 33 per week and almost five each day.And major Kiwi building company Arrow Construction has gone into voluntary administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents have been told to evacuate immediately as a new fire spreads rapidly in the Tasman region.The new fire near the Moutere Highway is north of Pigeon Valley where huge wildfires began three weeks ago.Earlier today, Mayor Richard Kempthorne confirmed a decision has been made to allow the state of emergency to expire.Pictures posted on social media show a section of forest engulfed in large flames right next to the highway.Also today, a new funding package for gifted children, details of a police shootout in Christchurch, and the whanau of three workers killed in a horror truck accident in Matata prepare for the tangi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley has been found liable for millions in damages by the High Court, along with other Mainzeal directorsThe failed building giant had been trading while insolvent despite its high profile - and creditors would have been better off if the company had been put into liquidation earlier, according to the High Court.The four directors have been found liable for a combined $36 million in damages.And Labour goes on the defensive over capital gains tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opinions are divided on the Government's new healthy home standards, with landlords saying they need exemptions or will go elsewhere, while renters and advocacy groups applaud it.New Government rules will require every rental home in New Zealand to have a heater in the living room and an extractor fan in the kitchen and bathroom.The standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, as well as rules to stop draughts, in all residential rental properties across the country.They'll apply from mid-2021.And the Prime Minister goes on the defensive over capital gains tax, in the process giving a clue about her Government's announcement on it, due in April.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.