From tomorrow, there’ll be a 15% tariff on New Zealand imports for US businesses. The announcement of the arbitrary amount saw us frantically send our chief trade negotiator over to Washington in a last-ditch effort to plead our case. Trade Minister Todd McClay was also dispatched. But, will that actually do any good – when larger economies have already signed on the dotted line and accepted their fates? And how should New Zealand be diversifying our trade portfolio, to rely less on the big play...
Aug 06, 2025•22 min
The days of simply ticking a box to confirm your age online are over. The UK has become one of the first countries to make it harder for internet users to consume pornography by requiring age verification measures, in an effort to prevent under-18s from viewing explicit content. The move has sparked concern about users giving even more data and personal information to tech companies... and has raised questions about whether the process actually works. So, with these laws gaining popularity overs...
Aug 05, 2025•19 min
Is New Zealand’s largest city dying? Auckland is home to roughly a third of the entire country’s population and is predicted to grow even bigger in the coming years. The City of Sails is, by far, the largest contributor to New Zealand’s economic output, generating about 40% of GDP. But, walk down many of the inner-city streets, and you’ll see vacant lots – with a lot of potential. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor, Anne Gibson is with us to discuss what can be done to get develo...
Aug 04, 2025•18 min
The Government is likely to pass a law banning farm-to-forest conversions to protect productive farmland for food production. It’ll mean a restriction on planting forests on high-quality land – and it’s a response to the previous government’s Emissions Reduction Plan. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has emphasised the need to protect productive farmland, maintain food security, and ensure that forestry expansion doesn’t come at the expense of agriculture and rural livelihoods. But, have we plac...
Aug 03, 2025•18 min
There are more than 9,000 gang members in New Zealand, and thousands more associates. The coalition government from the get-go promised a crackdown on gangs – they've banned gang insignia in public, handed police greater powers, and created laws to disrupt get-togethers. But, is that all enough? Jared Savage has been a journalist at the NZ Herald for about 20 years, with a focus on organised crime. His latest book, Underworld, is the third in a series of he’s released since 2020 – and the latest...
Jul 31, 2025•24 min
You might look on Facebook marketplace for a new couch, a lamp, a rug. But, what about class A drugs? Or how about a ghost gun? A Herald investigation has revealed at least 56 listings were circulating on the site offering magic mushrooms, cannabis, and in one case LSD across the North Island and top of the south. And that could just be the tip of the iceberg of illicit sales on social media. So how do we get on top of this? NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah has been looking...
Jul 30, 2025•16 min
We’ve all been caught out when using PayWave or contactless payment in stores, where we think we know how much we’re paying and then a surcharge adds a tiny bit more on that final price. Well, that’s about to change. The Government is planning to ban retailers from being able to add surcharges to most in-store card payments. It follows a decision by the Commerce Commission last week to reduce interchange fees paid by businesses for accepting credit card payments. So what does this all mean for c...
Jul 29, 2025•21 min
New Zealand’s energy sector is broken. That’s according to an open letter calling for the Government to do more to keep our power prices down. Soaring power costs is always a concern – but, we now live in a country where for some it’s a privilege to have power. We've heard too many stories about businesses closing due to the rising cost of just keeping the lights on, and everyday Kiwis are struggling as well... tens of thousands of households are cut off from basic, essential services, just beca...
Jul 28, 2025•19 min
From entering Parliament in 2008 – to leading the country in 2023 – Chris Hipkins is no stranger to the spotlight. During Covid’s beginnings, he was known as a safe set of hands, tackling Education, Health, and becoming the Minister in charge of the Covid Response for a time. Now, he’s firmly setting his sights on election 2026 – but, is he confident he’ll still be in Labour’s driving seat when it rolls around? Today on The Front Page, Hipkins joins us to discuss the cost of living, vibes in par...
Jul 27, 2025•27 min
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement – or NCEA – has been New Zealand’s main secondary school qualification for more than 20 years now. But, its future could be on the line, as more top schools plan to offer alternatives – and a Government briefing raised concerns about its credibility. So is NCEA really as bad as it’s been out made out to be, and what would be the benefit of switching your kid over to one of the other options out there? Today on The Front Page, Dr Nina Hood from ...
Jul 24, 2025•20 min
Another 1-dollar deal, another big shakeup for the New Zealand media industry. Sky TV has snapped up broadcast network Three and its associated platforms, and will have control of them by August 1st. It sees the exit of another international player in the local media landscape, with Warner Bros Discovery retreating a year after it closed down Three’s news outfit, Newshub. So what does this new media merger mean for the industry – and could this change how you watch the All Blacks? Today on The F...
Jul 23, 2025•23 min
Have we lost the right to anonymity? By now we’ve all heard about the couple who went viral after being caught looking embarrassed on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert in the US. An offhand, cheeky comment by frontman Chris Martin and a whole lot of internet sleuthing later and it turns out; they were colleagues having an affair. Details of their personal and professional lives spread across social media like wildfire, and the man involved resigned as CEO of a major tech company. But, it’s not th...
Jul 22, 2025•19 min
Scams have always been a hot topic. As technology gets more sophisticated, Kiwis of all ages are becoming more vulnerable to falling for them. Estimates of how much money we’ve lost varies, though one NetSafe and Global Antiscam Alliance report estimated over 2 billion dollars lost last year alone. So what is being done to try and solve this crisis, and do banks and the government need to take more responsibility? NZ Herald senior reporter Lane Nichols joins us today on The Front Page to discuss...
Jul 21, 2025•17 min
From humble beginnings to a rising star in the National Party, James Meager’s journey to the Beehive has been rapid to say the least. In just two years he’s gone from delivering his maiden speech, to becoming a Minister of the Crown, tackling the portfolios of Youth, Hunting and Fishing, and the newly established South Island portfolio. So, how do we make sure every young person in New Zealand gets the best possible start in life? And what does it actually mean to be the Minister for the South I...
Jul 20, 2025•19 min
Could the Government be taking a step back from helping homeowners after the elements make their homes unliveable? Recent extreme weather events have prompted a rethink of government housing protections. Billions of dollars have been spent over the years on buying out homes after natural disasters. But, in a changing world, and climate, where these events are happening harder and faster, is the idea of the Crown stepping in with unlimited cash unsustainable? Today on The Front Page, Insurance Co...
Jul 17, 2025•20 min
Nearly six years after disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein died in prison, he has once again become the centre of political controversy in the US. It’s after the Justice Department decided not to release more detailed records from the investigation into him and his death – with Attorney General Pam Bondi concluding he did not leave behind a so-called “client list”. But, that hasn’t stopped the avalanche of speculation – and major MAGA infighting -- over the apparent “lack of tra...
Jul 16, 2025•17 min
Most of central Auckland sits on the remains of 53 volcanic cones and craters. While there’s no way of knowing when an eruption will happen, it’s been said time and time again that it’s not a case of ‘if’, but ‘when. New research now suggests that deathly clouds of hot, fast-moving gas and debris could travel much further than previously thought if an eruption happened in Auckland. But, how likely is it that a volcanic eruption could happen in Auckland in our lifetime? And what can we gain from ...
Jul 15, 2025•15 min
The Trump tariffs are inching closer and closer towards becoming a reality. While they were meant to kick into gear last week, they've been delayed again – this time to August 1. Despite being accused of “chickening out”, Donald Trump has reignited the tariff talk through a series of letters and social media posts – announcing new duties on dozens of countries, if they don’t sign trade deals. In the months since ‘Liberation Day’, only two countries have signed agreements with the US – so is it l...
Jul 14, 2025•21 min
Should the ultra-wealthy pay more tax? It’s a debate that’s continued for decades, even centuries. From Ancient Athens to present day, the idea has been a constant when it comes to addressing inequality. Yet, no government has been brave enough to impose one. It’s a staple of the Green Party’s proposed Budget, which promises bold moves to make sure everyone has a warm home, decent kai, and the care and support for a good life. But who pays? And is leaning even more left than centre doing wonders...
Jul 13, 2025•21 min
The long tail of Covid is still being felt for some parts of our society. The second stage of the Royal Commission into the Covid-19 response kicked off this week, with public testimony from business owners and those impacted by vaccine mandates and the lengthy lockdowns in Auckland and Northland. It’s part of the coalition deal between National and both ACT and NZ First, and has prompted criticism over being overtly political and spotlighting conspiracy theorists. But with so many in the commun...
Jul 10, 2025•22 min
Not In My Back Yard. For decades, that has been a battle cry for suburbanites and homeowners unimpressed by changes happening in their neighbourhood. But, how often are those complaints valid, or are they just people unhappy with change? With both a 16.5 metre tall Buddha statue in Waiwera Valley, and a helipad in Westmere getting people talking, today on The Front Page we’re looking into the resource management process and why some things get approved, and others don’t. Later, we’ll talk with A...
Jul 09, 2025•19 min
Antisemitic sentiment has risen globally since the war in Gaza began, including in our part of the world. A man has been charged after a Melbourne synagogue was set alight last Friday. The alleged antisemitic attack has seen the country’s Home Affairs Minister describe it as an “attack on Australia”. The attack’s prompted the country’s Labor party to push for reforming the school curriculum to tech children about antisemitism. But, these kind of anti-Jewish attitudes aren’t reserved for our tran...
Jul 08, 2025•19 min
New Zealand has seen plenty of severe weather in recent years. Stories about towns flooding when hit with heavy rainfall have become commonplace. Just in the last month, towns like Nelson, Marlborough and Motueka have been devastated, while other areas like Taranaki have been badly affected as this type of rainfall becomes the norm. We keep facing these issues and talking about how to fix them, but what are the long term solutions? Today on The Front Page, Dr Tom Logan, Senior Lecturer at the Un...
Jul 07, 2025•16 min
Cost of living, crime and supermarkets remain a source of concern for the Government. The coalition has released its latest quarterly action plan – and it has come with a reiteration from the Prime Minister that they’re going to get on top of the cost of living. It comes as surveys show that National’s lost voters’ confidence in managing the issue – with many voters now seeing Labour as the better party to tackle the number of issues facing the country. Crime is another major concern, with a str...
Jul 06, 2025•17 min
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
