The Front Page

In New Zealand, there are a number of tribunals and review boards you can go to when you feel things haven’t quite gone your way.  Whether you’ve had a bad experience leaving your job, or something’s gone wrong in your healthcare journey, these committees are tasked with working out what has gone wrong and who – if anyone – should be held responsible.   But some of them can be limited in how much they can hold people to account.   The Human Rights Review Tribunal is one of the few in New Zealand that can award damages if they find in your favour.   Reporter Jeremy Wilkinson covers a lot of these tribunals for Open Justice, and he joins The Front Page today for the first in a series of examinations of how these processes work.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The financial year is coming to an end, and that means from next Tuesday, a lot of Kiwis will be getting more money in their wallets. April 1st is when the Annual General Adjustment takes place – when benefits and minimum wage increase to account for wage growth or inflation. While benefits are getting a 2.22 percent rise, and Super and the Veterans Pension gets a 3.51 percent increase, minimum wage is only going up by 1.5 percent. As people continue to feel the sting of cost of living, what impact will these changes have – and how well is our economy performing at the moment? To talk us through it all, today on The Front Page we’re joined by NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures have revealed the assets of our ten biggest iwi stands at $8.2 billion. A recent report from consultancy firm TDB Advisory shows the assets only rose by $100m in the last three years, a slightly better return than 2023 – as the economic turmoil over the last five years continues to have an impact on their investments. Covering everything from property, to farming, to managed funds and offshore opportunities, many of these iwi own assets that have an impact on our day-to-day lives, so how do they compare to some of our biggest investment firms? To explain where iwis have their money, today on The Front Page, TDB Advisory director Phil Barry is with us to dive into this report. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1930, across 22 editions of the Fifa Mens World Cup, only two New Zealand teams have featured on the biggest football stage, in 1982 and 2010. Now there will be three. The All Whites have qualified for the 2026 Fifa World Cup – after a three nil win over New Caledonia in front of a home crowd at Eden Park. After a successful job co-hosting the womens tournament in 2023, and a strong run from new team Auckland FC in the A-League, what does the future of football look like in New Zealand? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB’s and keen football fan Jason Pine is with us to talk about football on and off the pitch. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 11:59pm on March 25th 2020, New Zealand entered its first level four Covid –19 lockdown.  To many, that moment may feel like it happened just yesterday, while others are glad its firmly in the past. Whatever your feelings are about New Zealand’s response to the Covid pandemic, that first lockdown was a life altering event for many of us. Five years on, did it change us for the better, or did it kickstart something else entirely? University of Otago epidemiologist Michael Baker became a household name overnight for his commentary during the pandemic. He joins us today on The Front Page to look back on the start of the pandemic, and forwards towards the next one. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School rugby has been under the microscope for several years now after controversies over poaching between schools and live broadcast of games. Those tensions have flared up again, with secondary schools pushing back against NZ Rugby’s plans for an Under-18 team to take on Australia. It’s not the only sporting code to face push back though. This week, our young rowers take to the waters for the Maadi Cup regatta, and for the first time ‘year 14’ students are barred from taking part. It all amounts to an ongoing debate about how much focus should be put on teenage athletes, while still allowing the likes of record breaking runner Sam Ruthe to soar. First on The Front Page, we speak to NZ Herald journalist Gregor Paul about his latest reporting into school sports. Then later on the show, we’ll talk to AUT Associate Professor and Co-Director of AUT's Sports Performance Research Institute NZ, Simon Walters. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been a number of headlines trending throughout 2025 so far. Tariffs, trade wars, geopolitical tensions... and romance scams. Fake online relationships – better known as catfishes – have existed as long as social media has been around. But the increasing prevalence of AI is making it trickier to tell fact from fiction. One woman in France was conned out of 800,000 Euros after believing she was in a relationship with Oscar winner Brad Pitt, while closer to home, US-based Kiwi actor Martin Henderson has seen his face used as a front for these scams. So how common are these elaborate scams, and what protections can be put in place to better protect vulnerable people? Today on The Front Page, National Cyber Security Centre Threat and Incident Response team lead Tom Roberts is with to discuss what can be done to break up with these scammers. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week is seeing New Zealand’s highest-ranking politicians walking a tricky diplomatic tightrope. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been courting his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to kickstart trade deal discussions – but their meeting took a twist when Modi raised concerns about ‘anti-Indian activity’ in New Zealand. Around the same time, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has been in Washington for his first face to face talks with the second Trump administration. Those come at a time when the US is causing upset in Europe with its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. So, how should New Zealand handle these new diplomatic relationships? And can we apply any of our tactics from our relationship with China? Today on The Front Page, Al Gillespie is with us to look at our changing world. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's tariff wars are officially on. Donald Trump’s first two targets are Mexico and Canada, imposing 25% tariffs on their products – and 20% on Chinese imports. These three countries accounted for more than 40% of imports into the US last year. He’s also introduced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium products worldwide. On his social media site, Truth Social, Trump said if the EU doesn’t remove a proposed 50% tariff on US bourbon, the US will place a 200% tariff on all wines, champagnes, and alcoholic products coming out of the EU. Foreign Minister Winston Peters is currently in the US – he’s said he’s approaching the Trump administration “with eyes wide open” and that he’s “prepared to listen, hear them out, hear their side of the story”. But, will that be enough to shift New Zealand out of Trump’s firing line? CBC News senior parliamentary reporter, J.P. Tasker is with us from Ottawa, where citizens are actively boycotting US made products in response. Then, later on The Front Page  we’ll speak to Buy New Zealand Made executive director, Dane Ambler about whether we’ve seen any impact here yet. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand.   1 in 10 Kiwis diagnosed are under 50 and every day, around three New Zealanders die from bowel cancer.   Now, keep these figures in mind when I tell you that Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced the Government is lowering the screening from 60 to 58 for all Kiwis – and canned plans to lower the age for Māori and Pacific men to 50.  That might be a good fit for the Pākehā majority, but less so for Māori and Pacific, given more of those groups develop cancer earlier.  For example, about 26 per cent of bowel cancers in Pacific peoples occur between 50-59 years old, compared to about 11 per cent in the non-Māori or Pacific population.  Today on The Front Page, University of Otago Professor of Colorectal Surgery Frank Frizelle joins us to discuss what needs to be done to prevent this disease.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Evan PaeaProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A battle is underway for the future of one of New Zealand’s biggest media companies. Auckland-based Canadian billionaire Jim Grenon has in the last fortnight emerged as one of the biggest shareholders in NZME – the owner of the NZ Herald, Newstalk ZB and many music radio stations. And next month, he hopes to vote out the company’s current board members and install himself and three others at the company’s shareholder meeting. It’s the latest bit of turmoil to hit the media sector in this country, with nearly every major company seeing upheaval to some degree over the last 12 months. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Media Insider Shayne Currie to discuss what Grenon wants from NZME, and if the sector is any closer to stability. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is heading to India, taking with him one of the largest delegations a New Zealand PM has ever travelled with.  And, the fanfare makes sense, given we currently export $718 million worth of goods to India annually, but we don’t have a formal free trade agreement.   With the world’s largest population and on track to become the world’s third largest economy by 2030 – starting negotiations on that deal has been a priority for Luxon, above the other deals he’s focused on so far this term. Luxon even promised in the 2023 election campaign to finalise a deal within his first term of Government – but how likely is that, and what would a deal actually mean for New Zealand? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls is with us to explain what all these agreements, memorandums, and FTAs actually mean. Then Bharat Chawla, chair India New Zealand Business Council, joins us to delve into New Zealand’s relationship with India. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A brainchild of the previous Labour Government, the Healthy School Lunches Programme provides free lunches to about 242,000 students in greatest need. Since its initial launch in 2019, the programme has often been a target by politicians and commentators over the cost involved in the scheme. It’s now under the supervision of associate education minister David Seymour, and a cheaper alternative to it launched this year. It alone has faced a myriad of issues, notably incidents of unappetising, late or absent food deliveries, and a more serious case of one child suffering second-degree burns from a hot lunch. As a result, hundreds of meals have been left uneaten – and now, one company contracted to deliver the food has gone into liquidation.  So why are free school lunches such a source of controversy – and can the Government get past the negative headlines around them?  Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Victoria University of Wellington politics professor Dr Lara Greaves to discuss why there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan Sills  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Police continue to monitor knife crime trends worldwide while other jurisdictions introduce tough new laws, getting ahead of the curve before it’s too late. What they’re monitoring is reported offending involving knife crime – the likes of serious assaults and aggravated robberies. Between December 2023 and December 2024, there were 1,639 incidents involving a stabbing or cutting weapon – a 1.7% decrease from the year before. But, while New Zealand has not seen attacks like the Bondi Junction attack in Sydney, it hasn’t been immune, with notable individual attacks and mass events like the New Lynn mall attack.  South Australia hasn’t seen spikes in knife crime either, but that hasn’t stopped the state introducing the toughest knife laws in the country. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by South Australian Attorney-General Kyam Maher to talk through the state’s decision and what advice he’d give New Zealand lawmakers. And later, acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett is with us to chat about what police are doing to prevent knife crime here. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan Sills  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government’s focus on economic growth and foreign investment is back in the spotlight this week. Later this week, the much-anticipated Investment Summit will take place in Auckland. Businesses from over 14 countries, with six trillion dollars of capital, will be in attendance across Thursday and Friday, with Government Ministers and Labour representatives in attendance. It comes at a critical time for the Government, with mixed poll results suggesting a difficult path to re-election next year. Today on The Front Page, to talk us through who’ll be in attendance and what it all means for the Government, we’re joined by NZ Herald deputy political editor and host of the On the Tiles podcast, Thomas Coughlan. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It may not have felt like we had much of a summer this year – but a cold snap in Auckland has signalled that the seasons are changing. Temperatures dropped in our biggest city, as a cold front passed over much of New Zealand last week. It comes as cyclone season continues in the Pacific, with Cyclone Alfred last week on Australia’s east coast. With those hot summer nights fading into memory, today on The Front Page we’re looking ahead to what autumn and the rest of the year could bring, with NIWA meteorologist - Chris Brandolino. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French exchange student, Eloi Rolland, was last seen five years ago, today. The then-18-year-old's disappearance has baffled authorities ever since... Was it a murder, kidnapping, an accident, did he get lost in the bush, commit suicide or plan an escape. Is he still alive, does he want to be found? He searches Google Maps for directions to Piha about 5am the morning he vanished. He catches a train. He walks for nearly two hours. He turned on to Piha Road at 9.16am. At 9.48 the battery on his phone goes dead. And then... nothing. Nothing for five years. Today on The Front Page, Herald senior journalist Anna Leask joins us as we take a look back at Eloi’s disappearance.   We’ll also hear some from Eloi’s parents, Thierry and Catherine, and Bruno Dupuis of Acapella Productions, who directed a documentary series in France about Eloi’s story. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the new science fiction film Mickey 17, Robert Pattinson’s character Mickey Barnes is killed and each time he dies, a new copy of his body is printed out. It’s a classic far-flung sci-fi premise -- but the technology it’s based on is far more science than fiction. 3D bioprinting is a technology that uses 3D printing to create tissues and organs from living cells and biomaterials. The technology has been evolving rapidly over the last couple of decades. So how far away are we from printing out multiple Robert Pattinsons? Today on The Front Page, University of Queensland’s Professor Sašo Ivanovski joins us to break down 3D Bioprinting, where the technology is at, and what its future looks like. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anybody watching the Oscars would have noticed a common theme...   It was probably about when host Conan O'Brien mocked streaming culture with a sketch introducing the idea of a 'building for movies' and getting people to 'stream movies in a theatre.' And it wasn’t the first, or the last, reference to brick-and-mortar cinemas...   Anora director Sean Baker used his acceptance speech for Best Director as a battle cry for movie theatres – saying they’re under threat. And it’s not just the US that’s seen less bums in seats at the cinema. NZ cinema chain Silky Otter said just last year the market was about 25% below what it was in 2019, pre-Covid. But, is the pandemic the only thing to blame? Today on The Front Page, Capitol cinema owner, Roger Wyllie is with us to chat about what could be causing the death of cinemas – and what can be done to revive them. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government plans to change laws to allow victims the right to choose whether a convicted sex offender gets permanent name suppression or not. Now, automatic name suppression applies to protect witnesses and complainants under the age of 18 and those where certain sexual offences are alleged. It’s a law that garners a lot of criticism from the general public – there is constant commentary on the perceived reasons why someone gets to keep their name a secret. Herald senior reporter Melissa Nightingale and Newstalk ZB’s Sophie Trigger have been delving into the feedback given to the Minister about the changes. Today on The Front Page, Melissa is with us to discuss them, and what the law looks like at the moment. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’ll come as no surprise to anyone that meth is a serious problem in New Zealand. Wastewater Testing results show the consumption of the drug in New Zealand more than doubled in the second half of 2024 to the highest levels ever recorded. At the same time, the New Zealand Drug Trends Survey (NZDTS) 2024 showed the average price of a gram of meth declined from $563 in 2017/18 to $360 in 2024. Meanwhile, Wastewater testing in Ōpōtiki shows meth use there has halved after police raids on an alleged Mongrel Mob drug ring. Today on The Front Page, Herald investigative reporter Jared Savage is with us to run through the state of meth in our country. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March Madness is upon us – which means it’s the busiest time of year for anyone trying to get anywhere. It usually marks the end of the summer holiday period – school and university is back in session, and most people are back at work. So whether you’re biking, driving, or taking a train or bus – it's nightmarish. But it does lead back to that age old question – how do we solve our traffic problems? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Matt Lowrie from Greater Auckland to look at some of the possible solutions. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government’s announced it’s giving businesses more power to make ‘citizen’s arrests’.  Up until now, citizen’s arrests could only happen between 9pm and 6am, for crimes with a maximum punishment of at least three years in prison.    But the changes mean people can intervene and stop any offence at any time of the day, by using restraints and ‘reasonable’ force. Retail crime costs New Zealand retailers $2.6 billion each year. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says retail crime rose 85% between 2019 and 2023, including a 91% increase in victimisations relating to theft. Today on The Front Page, we speak to Retail NZ’s Carolyn Young about the rise of retail crime, and later Labour’s police spokesperson Ginny Andersen, who is criticising the government for the changes. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, commentators and analysts often raised the idea of a ‘youthquake’ - young, first-time voters coming in and shaking up the political landscape. It was after events like the School Strikes 4 Climate showed the power of youth mobilising around a common goal. Yet those youthquakes never happened – at least, not for left-leaning politicians. Instead, there’s been a shift to more conservative views among our youngest voters – and a yearning for the quote ‘good old days’ has seen trends like ‘trad wives’ and a ‘return to traditional family values’ skyrocket online. It’s all while a recent UK survey found that 52 percent of 13- to 27-year-olds believe their country would be better with a “strong leader who does not have to bother with parliament and elections”. Today on The Front Page, to discuss what’s shaping the youth of today, we’re joined by AUT University senior lecturer in Communication Studies, Christina Vogels. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The appearance of three Chinese warships so close to our borders has surprised and confused Australian and New Zealand officials. The ships issued a live-fire warning off Australia’s east coast – forcing commercial flights to change course. Then, on Saturday afternoon, sailors on a New Zealand Navy frigate saw live rounds being fired from a Chinese vessel's main gun. Beijing’s now under scrutiny for not warning Australia or New Zealand of drills being performed in the Tasman Sea. All this comes as tensions between New Zealand and our pacific neighbours are at an all time high. Today on The Front Page, Waikato University’s Al Gillespie updates us on what’s going on. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warnings of a ‘city killer’ asteroid hurtling towards earth have been filling news feeds over the last month. The space rock, dubbed ‘2024 YR4', had a 3.1 percent chance of hitting earth in the year 2032. That made it one of the riskiest asteroids ever, according to NASA, but they have since lowered their assessment again – to 0.28%. That hasn’t stopped news of this asteroid sparking a social media and news obsession, just the latest thing for people to worry about in amongst wars, a bad economy and political uncertainty. So why are we so obsessed with doomscrolling – and is fixating on potential disasters bad for our health? Later, we’ll discuss that side of things with Dr Lisa Harrison, a lecturer in digital communications at Flinders University. But first on The Front Page, to put all your minds at ease, we’re speaking to Joshua Aoraki from Stardome. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been three years since Russia invaded eastern Ukraine, a dramatic escalation in the conflict between the two countries that has been raging for over a decade.  And for three years, Ukraine has fought hard to defend itself. Over 12,000 civilians are believed to have died, a similar number captured or detained, while estimates on the military deaths range from the tens to hundreds of thousands. During this war, most of the Western world has sided with Ukraine, and supported the country financially and with tanks and missiles. But that could soon change, with US President Donald Trump arranging peace talks with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement. New Zealand freelance journalist Tom Mutch has been in Ukraine for much of the last three years, and he returns to The Front Page today to discuss the state of the invasion as a potential end to the conflict approaches. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s well known that New Zealand has a huge problem with keeping our children safe, fed, and housed.    Reports over the years show how low New Zealand ranks for child wellbeing outcomes compared to other developed countries.   Government stats show 23.5% of children born in 1998 had been the subject of a report of concern to Oranga Tamariki by the age of 17. That’s more than one in five kids.  One Police study into 63 young people involved in ram-raids in 2022, showed 95% of them were linked to at least one family harm event, before first coming to police attention as a suspect or offender.  And that’s before we even get into our high rate of homicide involving children.   Under this Government, the duty of looking after our tamariki falls on Minister for Children and for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence – Karen Chhour.   One of her big priorities so far this term has been reforming Oranaga Tamariki, and overseeing the reintroduction of bootcamps as one way of reforming young offenders.  She joins us today on The Front Page to discuss her portfolios and how the Government is planning to help our children.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you ever feel like you’re always being asked to donate money to some cause or another, you probably aren’t wrong. In New Zealand, there are more than 28,000 registered charities – with an annual income of more than $21 billion – on top of over 110,000 not for profit organisations. Legislation leaves the definition of a charity pretty broad – if you say you’re tackling poverty, advancing education or religion, or beneficial to the community in any way, you could sign up to the charities register. That broad definition is in the spotlight again this week though, after an aggressive protest by Destiny Church at a rainbow family event sparked backlash over the church’s charitable status. So, is the law up to date, or is it time we take a look at what organisations are getting a tax break? Today on The Front Page, former Independent Advisor to the Tax Working Group, Andrea Black, is with us to discuss. Today on The Front Page, University of Otago professor of public health, Peter Crampton joins us to give a rundown on our health system.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Chaos’, ‘overstretched’, ‘a bloodbath’ -- these are just a few descriptions of New Zealand’s health sector in recent days. It’s as the sector faces its third resignation of its top brass... Director-General of Health Diana Sarfati will finish up Friday – ending her term two years earlier than expected. Her resignation came soon after Health New Zealand chief executive Margie Apa -- followed by Public Health Director, Nicholas Jones, who quit just days after. We are constantly being told the health system is in crisis, “on the brink of failure” – spending beyond its budget, waiting times getting longer, suffering from widespread staff shortages. But, the decades-old question is, how do we fix it? Today on The Front Page, University of Otago professor of public health, Peter Crampton joins us to give a rundown on our health system.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homelessness is one of the most visible signs of poverty in this country. Walk through the CBD of any of our major cities, and you are likely to come across someone living rough. But often what we may see on our streets is the tip of the iceberg for a much larger issue. This week, HomeGround in Auckland, one of the initiatives trying to tackle this crisis, turns three –but that’s just one location in one city trying to get on top of a national problem. Today on The Front Page, we talk with University of Otago research professor, and co-leader of He Kainga Oranga – Housing and Health Research Programme, Nevil Pierse, about how we could solve this crisis. And later, we speak to NZ Herald senior writer, Simon Wilson, about HomeGround and if it's working. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Bill which would give New Zealanders just one avenue to bet on racing and sports online is under the microscope. The amendments to the Racing Industry Act would make TAB New Zealand the sole legal domestic operator of online racing and sports betting. The TAB estimates Kiwis lose $185 million a year to offshore operators, with the changes expected to retain this money. It’s all while the TAB’s operator, Entain, faces allegations of not doing enough to combat money laundering and corruption in Australia. And there are concerns from those in the industry that the monopoly would push Kiwis onto the black market. Today on The Front Page, Business Desk’s Gregor Thompson has been following the progression of the bill, and joins us. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is Pride Month in New Zealand, with the LGBTQ plus community making the most of the summer sun to celebrate. But, at the same time it’s a celebration that feels increasingly under threat. The return of the Trump administration has seen a rise in laws attacking the trans community and limiting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. It’s even seen one US state look at trying to overturn gay marriage. And while the US may be thousands of k's away, our connected world means attitudes there can be easily imported here... We already saw that last year with rainbow crossing vandalisms and the ongoing backlash against drag queen story times. Today on The Front Page, chair of the Auckland Pride board, Bhen Goodsir, is with us to discuss how Pride celebrations are going in an uncertain landscape. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Taxpayers Union-Curia poll and 1News Verian poll show the coalition Government is losing ground. Both show the left bloc of Labour, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori would have enough support to form the next government. It’s all while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s first post-cab of the year was marred by questions about Act’s David Seymour – the man set to become Deputy PM in May. Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins, has gone as far to call for Seymour to be removed as a Minister – over what he’s calling a “pattern of behaviour”. So, is this the start of a fracture that can’t be healed? And does the public have good cause to be concerned about where we’re headed? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political editor, Jason Walls, is with us to discuss the state of politics. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions have emerged in recent weeks between New Zealand and several Pacific Island nations. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has been accused of ‘not properly consulting’ New Zealand on the country’s upcoming China deal – which is expected to be penned in Beijing this week. Meanwhile, NZ aid to Kiribati is under review – and Samoa has sought help from China in the aftermath of the Manawanui sinking last year. This all comes as the Trump administration has frozen aid to developing nations -- which some experts fear could push them closer towards China. Today on The Front Page, University of Auckland retired international relations professor Stephen Hoadley is with us to discuss China’s interest in the Pacific, the impact of that frozen aid, and what it means for New Zealand’s relationship with some of our closest neighbours. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the past, overseas investment in New Zealand has been seen as a privilege – rather than a right. But – could that all be about to change with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s latest push for economic growth? He kicked off 2025 by announcing the establishment of a foreign investment agency – similar to those seen in Ireland and Singapore. The Government’s holding a ‘global investment summit’ next month – with sovereign wealth and major asset management fund managers expected to attend. So, how does foreign investment work now? And can we emulate the success of another country, like Ireland, where foreign investment accounts for much of their GDP and private sector employment? Today on The Front Page, Glenn Shewan, will take us through what foreign investment looks like in New Zealand now – and what could change. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For better or worse, house prices have been a cornerstone of our economy for decades. But a rise in prices now put home ownership out of reach for many Kiwis. Things could be changing though. Wellington City’s new rateable valuations show that, on average, house values have plummeted 24.4% since 2021. It comes as the city -- which once made headlines for its hotly contested rental market -- now sees landlords fighting to fill their homes. So, is this a nationwide phenomenon, and is the dream of owning your own home becoming more of a reality? Today on The Front Page, co-host of Opes Partners’ The Property Academy Podcast, Ed McKnight, is with us to run through the latest in property. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National has kicked off 2025 by diving headfirst into plans for economic growth – and it wasn’t long until Act threw in their two cents. Party leader David Seymour made privatisation a key focus of his State of the Nation speech. And while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he doesn’t want to sell anything off this term – he's suggested it could be campaigned on in next year’s election. It’s a road that New Zealand has gone down before, with the likes of Bolger, Shipley, and Key selling everything from banks to energy companies in the 80s and 90s, and only a few state-owned enterprises remain. So, what could be on the chopping block – and would anyone actually want to buy it? Today on The Front Page, we put those questions to Greg Smith, Head of Retail at Devon Funds Management. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to see tourism numbers increase as part of its economic growth push. As part of that push, the existing visitor visa scheme will be tweaked to include welcoming ‘digital nomads’. That will allow tourists from visa waiver countries up to nine months to travel around New Zealand while still working for their overseas employer. The scheme has already been greeted with expressions of interest from overseas, but the introduction of digital nomad visas in some countries has contributed to a local backlash against tourism. Today on The Front Page, Strategic Director of the Hotel Council Aotearoa, James Doolan, joins us to discuss the state of tourism in this country, and Spanish journalist Marta Bausells discusses the issues faced in Barcelona as a result of the scheme. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mining has become a key part of the Government’s plans for economic growth. Resources Minister – and self-appointed ‘Matua of Mining’ - Shane Jones has unveiled a plan to double exports to $3 billion by 2035, alongside a list of 37-strong Critical Minerals List and a national minerals strategy. While the plan has been met with criticism from environmentalists and the opposition, there has been some positive feedback from academics, praising the plan for its commitment to ‘pipe-line development’. But do the numbers stack up? And how many of those critical minerals are actually sitting beneath our feet? Today on The Front Page, Massey University Professor of Geography Glenn Banks is with us to dig into the government’s mining plans. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the theme of 2024 was ‘cutting back’, then 2025 is all about ‘growth’. The word appears 31 times in Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation speech – and for good reason.  Luxon said it’s the “key to brighter days ahead” after experiencing the “biggest recession since the early 1990s.” Finance Minister Nicola Willis has been handed a revised Economic Growth portfolio as part of that planning, working on things like driving up tourism numbers, and international investment. This week on The Front Page, we’ll be unpacking some of the Government’s plans for the economy, how they’ll work, and if they are right for New Zealand. Later on, we’ll get some insight into how and whether New Zealand can actually stimulate growth from independent economist Cameron Bagrie. First up today though, NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan is with to explain why growth is the topic of conversation. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Silicon Valley’s been rattled by a low-cost Chinese AI – with the startup claiming their DeepSeek technology can emulate the performance of ChatGPT, at a fraction of the cost. Its launch shook share markets and spawned allegations from OpenAI that their Chinese rivals used its work and models to make their own artificial intelligence. This is all happening while the new US administration appoints an ‘AI and crypto czar’ so the online currency can ‘thrive’. So, what is the future of AI and will we all be buying our coffees in crypto sooner rather than later? Today on The Front Page, science and tech journalist Peter Griffin is with us to run through the latest advancements and shake-ups n the tech space. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students across the country are starting to head back to school, and there are some big changes coming from our youngest pupils. As well as 2025 marking the return of charter schools, primary school students will start to be taught structured literacy and maths this year, as part of a curriculum refresh instituted by Education Minister Erica Stanford. It comes as test results continue to show declines in achievement across all age groups. But are these changes enough to reverse falling standards – and are our teachers on board with them? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB education reporter Shannon Johnstone is with us to what parents need to know about this years changes. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – has implemented some changes across its organisation since Donald Trump’s election win. The social media giant is set to remove independent factcheckers from its service, replacing them with community driven ‘notes’ similar to what X implemented after its rebrand from Twitter. The company has also ended various diversity, equity and inclusion measures, while chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has called for more ‘masculine energy’ in the corporate world. All this came before he was seated in the front row at Trump’s inauguration, alongside other tech bosses, raising questions about how tied up these global companies are becoming with the current US administration. Frances Haugen is a former Facebook employee turned whistleblower over the company’s actions. She joins us today on The Front Page to discuss the changes in the tech world. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the ongoing downfall of high-flying developers to promises of Swedish meatballs - this year is set to be one to watch when it comes to property news. Major developments are getting underway after the passing of the Fast Track Approval Act, while some projects that have been under construction for years are close to completion. But after a few years of a tough lending landscape and issues in the construction industry, are we closer to getting back on track? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Property Insider Anne Gibson joins us to share her property predictions for 2025. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Security software used widely by retail staff is in the spotlight after an incident involving a former Green MP. Golriz Ghahraman quit politics last year after being caught shoplifting from boutique fashion stores, and news emerged earlier this month suggesting she had done it again at a PakNSave supermarket. But the former MP did not steal anything, and the store never reported the case to Police – yet as the incident was logged in the Auror security system, Police were able to access it, and attempted to use it in the court case against Ghahraman. NZ Herald senior writer David Fisher has been looking into the case, and the scope of Auror, and joins us now on The Front Page. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's economic outlook for 2025 is expected to be a recovery from the previous two years of weakness. With inflation stagnant and the number of Kiwis leaving the country appearing to have peaked, economists are predicting we will see an uptick. Yet it could be a long road to get to the light at the end of the tunnel – with the Government’s books at the end of December painting a grim picture for the years ahead, and the impacts of job cuts likely to still be felt this year. But, the Government has the economy on its hit list – with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon focusing on it in his State of the Nation speech – saying that ‘economic growth is the key to better days ahead’. So how long do we have to wait for some good news, and what are the Government’s plans to get on top of things? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to dig into the economic outlook for 2025. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The political year is ready to kick off. While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon may have got an early start with his Cabinet reshuffle, over the next coming days we’ll see a flurry of party caucus retreats, state of the nation speeches, and the annual visit to Ratana as politicians return from their summer holidays. And while central government has plenty to tend to this year – local politicians are preparing for the country to return to the polls in October to vote for our councils and mayors. Today on The Front Page we're joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls for a preview of the year ahead in politics, and Newstalk ZB news director Michael Sergel lets us know what to expect when it comes to this year's local elections. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 15 months and the deaths of around 47,000 Palestinians, the war between Israel and Hamas has ended – for now. A six-week ceasefire has begun in Gaza, after agreements were reached for the release of Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners and aid. The start of the agreement coincides with Donald Trump returning to the White House, with the US President taking credit for the deal – though so did his predecessor, Joe Biden. So, what will happen next in Gaza, and what does Trump’s comeback mean for other world issues? Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato Professor of Law, Alexander Gillespie, joins us to discuss the long-awaited ceasefire and what’s next in world politics. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has kicked off the political year with the first major reshuffle of his Cabinet. Dr Shane Reti has lost Health to Simeon Brown and has been bumped down Cabinet rankings, while Melissa Lee has been stripped of all portfolios, in favour of first-term MP James Meager. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett to discuss the big winners and losers. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Sound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.