The Front Page

‘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.

Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. After four years out of office after losing in 2020, Trump is set to return to the White House with a vengeance – with his ‘Make America Great Again’ agenda front and centre. His administration has already raised eyebrows for some of his unusual Cabinet appointments, and Trump’s usual bluster has seen him make bold promises about what he’ll get done on day one – including being a “dictator” just for the day. So what are Trump’s plans for his second term in office – and why are so many tech giants falling to his side this time around? Today on The Front Page, Washington-based New York Times reporter Kenneth Vogel is with us to discuss what to expect from the next four years of Trump? 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.

Do you ever get the feeling New Zealand just doesn’t know how to build houses properly? We had the leaky homes crisis – where timber-framed homes built from 1988 to 2004 were not fully weather-tight. And now, construction experts are warning that tens of thousands of Auckland families will suffer in overheating terraced houses unless designs change. Terraced houses are being built at pace in Auckland, with even more expected after the Government mooted 55,000 new ones to be fast-tracked through the consent process. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by New Zealand Green Building Council business development manager Matthew Cutler-Welsh to dig into what’s gone wrong with these new houses. 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.

Earlier this month, Justin Trudeau resigned as Canada’s Prime Minister, marking the end of his nine years in office. Trudeau was also one of the last leaders standing from an era of younger, left-leaning or liberal politicians, alongside the likes of Finland’s Sanna Marin and our own Jacinda Ardern, who garnered global attention for bringing a fresher approach to politics. That era seems well and truly over. Last year, more than 60 countries went to the polls, and many countries saw voters swing to the right, or voting against incumbent governments rather than necessarily voting in favour of their opposition. Peter Frankopan is an author and professor of global history at Oxford University, and joined us on The Front Page last year to preview ‘the year of elections’. He joins us today on The Front Page to discuss the shifting sands of global 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.

Growing concern about public safety has reignited the idea of arming our frontline police officers. The police union says 68% of officers support routine arming – and, our new police commissioner, Richard Chambers, is apparently ‘open’ to discussions around it – although he’s also said we’re ‘proud of having unarmed police’ and he’d like to keep it that way. This is all while, in the first hours of 2025, a car rammed into a police vehicle at a Nelson gathering – Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming later died in hospital, another officer was critically injured. This was followed by another attempted ramming a week later. So do we need to look at better protect those whose jobs are to protect us – or are there risks to giving more power to the police? Today on The Front Page, Auckland University criminology lecturer Dr. Emmy Rākete joins us to discuss. 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.

Destructive. Devastating. Apocalyptic. That’s how the wildfires burning across Los Angeles over the last week have been described. The blazes have largely brought the US’ second largest city to a standstill, destroying thousands of buildings have been destroyed, and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. It comes as officials declare 2024 the hottest year on record, with temperatures breaching the target of 1 point 5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Today on The Front Page, we’ll be discussing the ongoing climate risks that New Zealand faces with Victoria University of Wellington Professor Jonathan Boston. But first, we’re in Los Angeles with 9 News USA correspondent, Lauren Tomasi. 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.

Billionaire Elon Musk is not content with just having the ear of US President elect Donald Trump. Over the past few weeks, the world’s richest man has weighed in on European politics, first writing an op-ed backing Germany’s far-right AFD party. But the UK has become a particular obsession, with Musk frequently commenting on his social media platform, X, about child grooming and rape gangs, laying the blame squarely at the feet of the six-month old Labour Government. So why is the tech mogul so interested in politics overseas, and how are the US’ European allies meant to respond when Musk is firmly in Trump’s inner circle? Today on The Front Page, senior reporter for CNN Politics Stephen Collinson joins us from Washington DC to discuss the thinking behind Musk’s political commentary. 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.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    The 2023 general election was a battle between the two Chrises – Labour's Chris Hipkins, and National’s Christopher Luxon.  It was a battle that Luxon ended up winning, thanks to the support of two coalition partners in Act and NZ First. But it’s a match-up that currently looks set to be repeated next year, with Hipkins sticking around as Labour’s leader – and showing no signs of stepping aside.  That’s likely because the polls between the coalition and Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Māori remain pretty evenly split.   At the end of 2024, we caught up with both leaders a week apart for a wrap of the year. New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    People respond to election losses in various ways, from protesting to legal action to considering moving country.   But, what about adopting a vow of celibacy through something called the “4B movement”?   That’s what some young women in the US promised on social media in protest of Donald Trump winning back the White House.    No dating. No sex, No childbirth. And no marriage.   In a world where the next US President was found liable for sexual abuse, online vitriol against women is skyrocketing,  and the term “your body, my choice” is trending online - how effective could this 4B movement be?    University of Otago PhD candidate Rachel Billington has researched how young people interact with each other online, and joined us in November on The Front Page to discuss this growing movement.    New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    Once it came into power, the coalition Government signalled “everything’s on the table” when it comes to a major shake-up of New Zealand’s gun laws.  The world praised us when we took swift action following the Christchurch terror attack – banning semi-automatic firearms and assault rifles.    But, now a coalition agreement between National and Act could see semi-automatics make a return to gun ranges. Various stages of reform are currently been worked through by politicians.   In the US, April 20 marked 25 years since the Columbine high school massacre – where two teenagers murdered 12 students and a teacher.    15-year-old Daniel Mauser was one of those killed in the school’s library.   Daniel’s father, Tom, has spent the last 25 years advocating for gun control in America – and he joined us on The Front Page to discuss why New Zealand shouldn’t be complacent when it comes to firearms.    New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    For over 50 years, the secretive Christian community of Gloriavale has fascinated New Zealanders.   While the community has long been discussed by former members who have left Gloriavale behind, in the last few years, multiple official investigations and Employment Court proceedings have shone more light on what's happening behind the scenes.  In March, a new TVNZ documentary, Escaping Utopia, premiered, looking back at the community’s chequered history and its recent problems.   We spoke with co-director Justin Pemberton – who explained his fresh look at historic concerns.    New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    It’s safe to say that in recent years, Boeing has gone through a patch of turbulence.   In 2024 alone, we saw a door plug blow off mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January – while closer to home, a LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland plunged mid-air, injuring at least 50 passengers.  In October 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea in Indonesia with 189 people on board. It was a Boeing 737 MAX.     Barely five months later, an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing Max aircraft crashed, killing 157 people.   One of those people was Graziella de Luis y Ponce, a United Nations interpreter.    Her brother is Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics lecturer, Javier de Luis.   He served on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s panel that reviewed Boeing’s safety practice last year.    We spoke to Javier in March about what’s gone wrong, and what should change, at Boeing.   New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    Major earthquakes may not be a regular occurrence in New Zealand, but the threat of them is often in the back of our minds.   With a major faultline running through the middle of the country, you only have to look to the events in Christchurch and Kaikoura to know the risk they pose.   In May, new modelling was published that highlighted the impact a catastrophic quake could have on this country, including the threat of tsunamis, and how prepared we are for such an event.   We spoke with Doctors Bilrtl Fry and Matt Gerstenberger from GNS Science to dig into the latest research on our seismic threats.    New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is taking its summer break, we will be shining a spotlight on some of the biggest podcasts from the New Zealand Herald network over the last year.   In 2011, then Herald on Sunday journalist David Fisher reported on what the paper dubbed ‘the Facebook Predator’, an adult woman who had been caught catfishing dozens of teenage boys in the South Island.   She would be named as Natalia Burgess.  Fisher covered the Burgess case for months, before she eventually went to prison for two years as a result of her behaviour.  He thought that was the end of it – until two years ago, an email out of the blue revealed that Burgess returned to her catfishing once she was free from prison.  In the latest series of the Herald’s true crime series, Chasing Ghosts, Fisher went back to re-examine the case, see what he missed back in 2011 – and tried to get Burgess to front up again to what she had done.  You can listen to half of the first episode of Chasing Ghosts: The Puppeteer now, and find the full series on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    The disappearances of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope on New Year’s Day 1998 remain one of New Zealand’s infamous cases.   Scott Watson has spent the last 25 years behind bars after being convicted of murdering them, despite no bodies ever being found.   In June, Watson headed back to the courtroom four years after his case was referred to the Court of Appeal – it's his last shot at clearing his name.   There’s still no word yet on the result of his latest appeal.   We spoke with NZ Herald senior journalist Carolyne Meng Yee and editorial leader Oskar Alley – who took us back to 1999 when they both covered Watson’s infamous first trial, and ran through the evidence making up this appeal with senior reporter David Fisher.   New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    Kiwis have departed New Zealand in record numbers this year.  News reports covering monthly migration data have repeatedly announced new records of net migration loss, with the latest stats from the year to September showing 79,700 migrant departures.   Just over half of those leaving the country moved to Australia, while the lure of the traditional UK OE is still taking people to London.  But is moving overseas going to make your life less expensive? In July, NZ Herald reporter Ben Leahy joined us after crunching the numbers to see if the grass is really greener on the side.   New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    On July 26th 1984, David Lange was sworn in as the 32nd Prime Minister of New Zealand.   His ascension into the country’s top job came after Robert Muldoon’s infamous 'Schnapps Election' ended his nine years in power.   Best remembered for enshrining New Zealand’s nuclear free status, Lange also oversaw controversial economic policies that ultimately divided his caucus and saw his time on the ninth floor only last five years.   For the 40th anniversary of his reign, we spoke with Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper – one of the few journalists who was there at the time and still working today.  New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    June 20 this year marked 30 years since five members of the Bain family in Dunedin were found dead in their family home.   The one survivor, David, would be convicted of murdering his parents and three siblings.  He served 13 years in prison before the Privy Council quashed his convictions, and he was found not guilty on all charges at a retrial in 2009.    For the anniversary in June, we spoke to long-time Bain advocate Joe Karam for an exclusive chat reflecting on his three decades linked to the case, as well as exploring our obsession with the case with AUT University’s Professor of Pop Culture, Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell.   New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is taking its summer break, we will be shining a spotlight on some of the biggest podcasts from the New Zealand Herald network over the last year.   In 2022, BusinessDesk journalist Murray Jones investigated the finances of the New Zealand branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – better known as the Mormons.  That investigation sparked a lot of feedback on social media, including a number of posts that suggested there was more to the Church that first thought.  That led to Heaven’s Helpline, a NZ Herald podcast that investigated the Church and how it has built a system that protects its wealth and reputation – and shields sexual predators from the law.    You can listen to half of the first episode of Heaven’s Helpline now, and find the full series on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in 2024.    Travelling is often a stressful experience, particularly over the Christmas break and summer holidays when it seems we’re all rushing to get away.   Those trips aren’t made easy when violent turbulence or technical errors have an impact.  In 2024, stories of extreme turbulence popped up around the world, including one case in April when a man onboard an Air New Zealand flight from Bali broke his leg, while in May, a violent Singapore Airlines flight saw dozens hospitalised and one passenger die.    That’s on top of multiple stories locally of domestic and international flights impacted by landing and technical issues.   To get insight on this, in July, we spoke to the chief executive of Massey University’s School of Aviation, Ashok Podavul about whether we should be concerned – and stay tuned for advice on what you can do if things go wrong for you this summer from Consumer NZ’s Jessica Walker.   New episodes return January 13th.  Host: Chelsea Daniels Audio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard Martin Executive Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While we’re on our summer break, The Front Page is taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast this year.   Losing a loved one is one of the worst things a family can go through.   But it can get a lot worse if people start fighting over the will before the body’s even cold.   In June, we spoke to NZ Herald senior journalist Jane Phare about the dos and don'ts when it comes to inheritance – including how you should go about getting your fair share, and what you can do to make sure your final wishes are clear.   New episodes return January 13th. Host: Chelsea DanielsAudio Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard MartinExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year in politics has been a bumpy road for many. The coalition Government dived in quickly to reverse previous Labour policy, and pushed numerous bills through Parliament to reach quarterly deadlines and targets – with a mixed response from voters around some policies. Labour meanwhile has spent much of the last year recovering from their election wipeout in 2023, leaving Te Pati Maori to lead the pushback against the Treaty Principles Bill. At a local level, huge rates increases were a burden for many councils, while Wellington Council had the unfortunate honour of having a Crown Observer appointed. Today on The Front Page, we’re revisiting some of our interviews with top politicians from central and local government as we look back on the year that was. 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 been a huge year for sport here in New Zealand. In one weekend in October, Team New Zealand took to the water in Barcelona and took home the America’s Cup for the third time in a row, while the White Ferns won the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup final. There were major wins across the board for the Black Caps, the Silver Ferns, and our latest football team, Auckland FC. But in this major year, there was perhaps no bigger cause for celebration than the Paris Olympics, when Kiwi athletes bagged more gold medals at Paris 2024 than at any other Olympic Games in history. On this special sports-themed compilation episode of The Front Page, we're looking back at some of the best conversations we've had around the year in sport. 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 economy has been in an uncertain place for quite some time, and 2024 was no different. Over the last year, we’ve seen some improvement. In October, the annual rate for inflation had fallen from 3.3 percent to 2.2 percent. The official cash rate ended the year on 4 point 25 percent. Elsewhere, the news hasn’t been so positive. The country’s gross domestic product contracted 0.2 percent in the June quarter, only just missing out on a technical recession. Job cuts across multiple sectors have seen Jobseeker benefit numbers surge to over 200,000. And Government books released this week show that it’s unlikely we’ll return to a surplus until 2029 – about a year later than originally anticipated in this year’s Budget. So what’s going on in our economy? And how soon until we start to see some change? On this compilation episode of The Front Page, we revisit some of the discussions we've had to do with economy and the business sector throughout 2024, including post-Budget analysis, closures in the retail and hospitality sector, and the big scandal around Du Val Group.  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.

While 2024 has been a big year of news in New Zealand, there’s been plenty happening around the world over the last 12 months. From wars and conflicts to extreme-weather events -- new pandemic threats to cancer coming to Buckingham Palace -- we’ve seen it all over the last 12 months. Today on The Front Page, we’ll be revisiting the many conversations we’ve had about the biggest stories from around the world in 2024, including the impacts of Donald Trump's re-election on New Zealand, the ongoing impacts of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and some of the biggest deaths and crime events from Australia.  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.

Law and order is always a hot topic of debate amongst politicians. The coalition government was elected in part on the back of years of ram raids and violent robberies post-Covid. The last 12 months has seen delivery on promises to bring back boot camps for young offenders, a crackdown on gangs, and the return of Three Strikes legislation.  Today on The Front Page, we’ll be revisiting the many conversations we’ve had about crime and the justice system in 2024, looking at how effective some of those policies are and what we could be doing better. 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.

While 2024 may not have brought the shocks of cyclones, Prime Ministerial resignations or election campaigns, there’s a lot to digest from the last year.   The Government delivered tax relief, gang crackdowns and a Fast Track bill, while dealing with controversy over Māori relations, smoking laws and apartment entitlements. Te Pāti Māori led the fight back against the Treaty Principles Bill, while Labour rebuilt from its election loss, and the Greens contended with rogue MPs and personal tragedy. Inflation started to fall, but a tough economy saw thousands lose their jobs, including the end of iconic news brands. Māoridom farewelled a King and welcomed a new Queen, while the British Monarchy was dealt a double cancer blow. Globally, conflict continued across Ukraine and Gaza, while the ‘year of elections’ delivered a new PM for the UK, and an old President for the US. And fans around the world found time to hold space for Brat Summer, Wicked, the Menendez Brothers and the Eras tour. Today on The Front Page, for our final episode of 2024, we’re discussing all the highs and lows of the year with Coast host Lorna Riley, and 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.

A terrorism charge has been laid against a New Zealander who allegedly travelled overseas to join Islamic State a decade ago.  Mark John Taylor, also known as Mohammed Daniel, was charged under the Terrorism Suppression Act this morning.   Charging documents filed in the Wellington District Court state he’s being accused of participating in a group in Syria, namely the Islamic State and the Levant (ISIL) between 29 November 2014 and 24 December 2018.  It said he’s believed to have joined the groups “for the purpose of enhancing the ability of ISIL to carry out or participate in one or more terrorist acts intended to cause the death or injury to one or more persons, in one or more countries.   It said it was for the purpose of advancing an ideological, political or religious cause with the intention of inducing terror in a civilian population, knowing or being reckless whether ISIL is a designated terrorist identify.”  He faces a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.  For some more insight into this case, we’re joined now on The Front Page by Massey University Emeritus Professor Paul Spoonley.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon believes his so-called ‘coalition of chaos’ has defied the critics. The Prime Minister is spending the remainder of 2024 lauding his government’s achievements – inflation is under 3%, a 30% increase of cops on the beat, 26 new cancer treatments, tax relief just to name a few. But he’s ending the year facing criticism over his handling of the Treaty Principles Bill, and for his corporate way of talking – and poll results show a deadlock between the left and right coalitions. So, with a promise to get the country ‘back on track’ and a focus on rebuilding the economy – can Luxon turn around the public criticism? Today on The Front Page, the Prime Minister, joins us to discuss the year that’s been, his hopes for 2025 – and if the new year could see the government up the ante when it comes to welcoming foreign investment. 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.

Communities around the country are waiting with bated breath for news about major infrastructure projects – ones that are set to cost a lot of money. The government’s expected to announce the future of Interislander’s Cook Strait ferries this week – after the $3 billion mega ferry contract was canned last year due to ‘significant cost blowouts’. Meanwhile, a report has revealed a ‘lack of confidence’ in a French contractor’s forecasts for the $5.5 billion City Rail Link in Auckland – the company has execs flying out this month to address concerns. There’s apparently a 50% likelihood the November 2025 completion date will be met. Later on The Front Page, Transporting New Zealand’s Policy and Advocacy Lead Billy Clemens is with us to discuss why the industry is on tenterhooks over the upcoming decision around the Cook Strait ferries. But first, Public Transport Users Association chairperson Niall Robertson is with us to discuss the City Rail Link. 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.