Rates have increased across the country this week, with some cities better off than others. Auckland Council has confirmed a 5.8 percent average residential rates increase, the same day Wellington’s council struck a 12 percent lift in rates. Meanwhile, Gisborne residents face an average 9.95% rate increase, which equates to $400 or less for 80% of homeowners. The increases have come at the same as council valuations in Auckland dropped by 9%. But, what do lower CVs mean for your rates bill? And,...
Jul 03, 2025•17 min
Over the last decade, as New Zealand has grappled with a housing crisis, golf courses have become a lightning rod for controversy. Auckland Council alone owns or manages 13 golf courses across the Super City, and many campaigners have targeted these sites as being prime land for housing. Though, as with any major project, there are plenty of loud voices on the other side of the debate. The recent controversy to hit the green has nothing to do with housing, but instead wetlands, flooding, and the...
Jul 02, 2025•15 min
A warning that today’s episode contains content that listeners might find disturbing. You can find support links below. New Zealand police are becoming increasingly concerned about online groups targeting Kiwi children through social media. Apps like Snapchat have become a breeding ground for sex abuse material, while overseas groups are actively participating in “sadistic online exploitation”. And it’s not just happening offshore, with two sisters this week sharing their story of being targeted...
Jul 01, 2025•20 min
A 24 year old woman has shared her identity in order to talk publicly about an inappropriate relationship she was involved in with a police officer. Alex McPhail earlier spoke to the Herald anonymously about her relationship with Christchurch-based detective Luke Fazackerley, who she met when she was 22 and reporting a rape to police. She complained about his behaviour to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, a complaint that has now been re-opened after the Herald reporting. Today on The Fr...
Jun 30, 2025•13 min
Your chance of winning Powerball is 1 in 38 million – and it could be about to get a lot harder. The Herald has revealed Lotto NZ bosses are keen to increase the number of balls in the Powerball draw - and are already seeking permission from the Government for what has been described as a “matrix” change for the game. But, how will this affect your odds? And, why do they want to change the game anyway? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter Neil Reid is here to crunch the numbers and...
Jun 29, 2025•14 min
On July 1st, a series of changes are due to be implemented by the Government – and some of them will have a direct impact on your day to day. Notably, all rental properties in New Zealand must comply with healthy home standards, six years after that became law under the Labour Government. One Labour law change hasn’t survived though – that Government’s blanket speed limit reducations must all be revered by Tuesday. Paid parental leave rates will also go up, while Jobseeker support clients must n...
Jun 26, 2025•21 min
An investigation by the NZ Herald has revealed concerns with police recruitment. Over the last several months, we've learnt that prospective cops who didn’t pass fitness or literacy tests were allowed to start training, and dozens of recruits graduated from police college despite not being assessed on their ability to swim. It’s prompted an audit by police of the process, and promises to change things, but has the damage already been done? NZ Herald investigative reporter Michael Morrah has led ...
Jun 25, 2025•16 min
Donald Trump has claimed that a ceasefire has been declared in the war between Israel and Iran. Releasing a statement on Tuesday morning NZ time, Trump said there’d be a “complete and total ceasefire” in what he’s calling the “12 day war”. He said the war “could have destroyed the entire Middle East” and “could have gone on for years” but claimed both Israel and Iran came to him “almost simultaneously” and said “PEACE!” While there remains uncertainty about how long this ceasefire will last and ...
Jun 24, 2025•17 min
In a move called Operation Midnight Hammer, the US has attacked several key nuclear facilities in Iran. The strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, with President Donald Trump saying “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier”. He’s also calling for Iran to “MIGA - MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN”. In response, Iran’s foreign minister said Washington crossed a “very big red line” - AND its...
Jun 23, 2025•18 min
Over the last few months, all we’ve been able to talk about when it comes to the economy has been tariffs and trade wars. Behind a lot of Donald Trump’s talk has been his desire to see more manufacturing done in the United States. And that includes everything from steel and cars down to smart phones. But how realistic is it to demand everything moves production to the US? And has Trump perhaps touched on a flaw in how our most popular products are made. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by B...
Jun 22, 2025•18 min
Unity is the theme for this year’s Matariki. Today is the fourth year of the public holiday, marking the Maori new year. It’s the first holiday to recognise Maori – and the first new public holiday introduced since Waitangi Day became a holiday in 1974. Today on The Front Page, Professor Rangi Mātāmua the chief advisor for Matariki is with us to take us through what the holiday means. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read mo...
Jun 19, 2025•13 min
A major blaze at an Auckland supermarket this week has once again highlighted the incredible work of our firefighters. More than 20 appliances and over 80 firefighters spent hours containing the fire at the Victoria Park New World this week, in scenes that captivated audiences across the country. It’s not the first major fire the city has seen this year, and it’s unlikely to be the last. So what’s it like on the frontline of these fires – and is our current fleet of firefighting appliances up fo...
Jun 18, 2025•17 min
We are halfway through the year, but there have already been a number of confronting headlines about early childhood education providers in 2025. Earlier this year, the Herald ran a number of stories about children “escaping” from centres around the country. And in the last week, two coroners reports have come out highlighting tragic deaths that befell two young children. The news comes after a review by the Ministry of Regulation into ECEs and how they operate, with another review just announce...
Jun 17, 2025•18 min
Tensions are high in the Middle East, as Israel and Iran continue to trade strikes. It comes after Israel launched a surprise attack last Friday against multiple targets in Iran, including nuclear and military sites. Iran has retaliated, and this back and forth shows no signs of stopping – instead, both sides are threatening to escalate the conflict. With major international players now weighing in, how big could this get – and will New Zealand have to pick a side? Today on The Front Page, Unive...
Jun 16, 2025•20 min
It was February 19, 2013. Maree Schafer was excited to start a hairdressing course at the Eastern Institute of Technology the next day. That night, three cars - a silver Holden Commodore, a blue Ford Falcon, and a grey Nissan Skyline were street racing near Napier. The Commodore continued through an intersection, going well over 180km/hour, when the driver lost control, slid sideways across the road, and crashed into a tree. There were three occupants in that car. One was 18-year-old Maree. She ...
Jun 15, 2025•18 min
Six years after Gore toddler Lachie Jones was found dead in a Gore oxidation pond, the coroner has handed down his findings. And coroner Alexander Ho has called for a third police investigation, concluding that there were gaps in the original investigations that make it difficult to truly establish what happened to the three year old that night. NZ Herald reporter Ben Tomsett has been following the proceedings, and joins us The Front Page for a bonus episode to discuss the coroner’s findings. Fo...
Jun 13, 2025•8 min
If you’ve turned on an American news channel in the last week, you would’ve seen wall to wall coverage of protests spreading across the country. It all started in Los Angeles, where clashes between police and protesters were exacerbated by Donald Trump bypassing Governor Gavin Newsom and sending National Guard and Marine troops to the city. LA Mayor Karen Bass has blamed the protests on Trump's immigration raids, which she said "provoked" residents by causing "fear" and "panic". While Trump has ...
Jun 12, 2025•21 min
More than 600 days of war and an 11-week blockade of all aid has pushed those living in Gaza into a deeper crisis. Israel imposed a full humanitarian blockade of Gaza in March, cutting off food, medical supplies, and other aid to the more than two million Palestinians living there. And while some aid has been allowed in in recent weeks, many countries are calling for more to be done. New Zealand has joined the condemnation, placing travel restrictions against two Israeli ministers, but is that g...
Jun 11, 2025•17 min
Is New Zealand’s legal system moving fast enough to adapt to new technologies? It’s a question being asked by some of our top academics and MPs. The conversation around covert recordings has made headlines this week – as well as questions around whether it’s illegal. And Act MP Laura McClure made global headlines after holding up a photo of herself naked in Parliament. It was an AI-generated ‘deepfake’, which McClure said took her only moments to create. So do our existing laws protect victims f...
Jun 10, 2025•15 min
Every few weeks, it seems that we are reporting on a recidivist drink driver who is once again going through the court system due to their behaviour. And there are still thousands going through the justice system every year. In fact, figures show that over 15,000 people were convicted last year for driving under the influence. Now, a new survey has shown consistent support from New Zealanders to tackle drink driving. Conducted by the New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council, more Kiwis are keen to ...
Jun 09, 2025•15 min
The divided nature of our politics has been spotlighted once again. A fiery debate has seen Te Pati Maori’s leaders suspended for Parliament in the harshest punishment ever handed down to a politician. It was a vote made along party lines – with the Government parties voting in favour of the Privileges Committee recommendations, and the left-bloc voting against. And that split was highlighted once again by two polls with conflicting results showing who will win next year. Today on The Front Page...
Jun 08, 2025•18 min
It has been revealed that the Government considered using private company Bluebridge to replace the current Interislander fleet. It’s just the latest in the saga that is the Cook Strait ferries, after years of negotiations, debate, and an axed contract. But it’s hardly the first time we’ve had a major transport project face delays and changes. All forms of transport are eyeing big investments, but how long before we actually get some movement? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political repor...
Jun 05, 2025•17 min
A new study suggests that another Pike River mine disaster is likely. The Victoria University of Wellington researchers say the failures that lead to the disaster that killed 29 men could happen again at any other organisation. One of their "potentially disturbing observations" is that health & safety training, auditors, and well-qualified staff were not enough to prevent failure – and may also have provided an "illusion of certainty" and overconfidence. The new research has come amidst a sl...
Jun 04, 2025•20 min
A warmer winter is coming, meaning we might not need our heaters as much as we usually would. However, these conditions won’t be great for those heading away for ski season. And, while the puffer jackets can stay in the wardrobe, those rain ones will be getting a workout – because with a warmer winter, comes rain. Today on The Front Page, Niwa forecaster Chris Brandolino is with us, to give a glimpse into what the weather might look like in the months ahead. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio,...
Jun 03, 2025•17 min
The world of pop culture fandom was once on the fringes of society – comic books, anime and sci-fi movies have historically been seen as the realm of nerds living in their parents basement. But in recent years, the power dynamics have shifted, and what was once considered niche is now very much in the mainstream. Blockbuster movies are increasingly being dominated by superhero and fantasy genre, and that’s seeping into the world of prestige television. And everything from Labubus to the latest N...
Jun 02, 2025•19 min
2024 was a difficult year for the Royal Family, with King Charles and the Princess of Wales both going public with cancer diagnoses, which required lengthy treatment that took them out of the spotlight. Things have been looking rosier for the family so far this year, and the King is even flexing his diplomatic muscles in a visit to Canada amidst tensions between the country and the United States. However, in recent weeks, the friction between the monarchy and Prince Harry has made headlines once...
Jun 01, 2025•20 min
Act Party leader David Seymour will become New Zealand’s deputy prime minister tomorrow, taking over from Winston Peters. He will be the 19th person to be the country’s second in command. First elected to Parliament in 2014 – the last decade and a bit has seen Seymour’s meteoric rise from being his party’s sole MP to now sitting alongside 10 colleagues after Act’s best ever result in the 2023 election. That result has allowed him to push through big changes around issues like regulation and gove...
May 29, 2025•20 min
The Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate 25-basis-points -- to 3.25 percent. That's the lowest it's been since August 2022 – though there were discussions about holding it. Today's move is in line with most economists' expectations, and is another positive sign of the growth of the economy. But there remains global uncertainty over President Trump’s policies and what impact his tariffs and trade wars could have. Today on The Front Page, Infometrics chief forecaster, Gareth Kiernan is with...
May 28, 2025•18 min
We’ve all got an anecdote or a story about a tradie who did us dirty, or an issue with a new build. Well, now we’ve got some actual evidence around what’s happening in the construction industry. The Building Research Association of New Zealand has launched a new a Build Insights tool to provide accurate information on everything from tradie callbacks to new apprenticeships and the cost of new builds. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Head of Data Chris Knox is running us some of the key stats w...
May 27, 2025•17 min
It’ll come as no surprise when I say our emergency departments are suffering. It’s a tale that’s haunted consecutive governments and one that has those at the frontline crying out for support. Winter is one of the busiest periods for hospitals, and many are already reportedly at capacity. But, what do we do with this broken record? And how do we fix a sector that's been chronically underfunded for generations? Today on The Front Page, Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah joins us ...
May 26, 2025•16 min
