After 40 days, New Zealand has a new government. National, Act and NZ First have signed their agreements to form the country's first-ever three-party coalition government. So who's deputy Prime Minister, who are the new Ministers, and what are the policy priorities? And NZ Herald politics editor Claire Trevett joins for her analysis on how this will all work. Host: Hamish Fletcher Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 24, 2023•13 min
Musicians are facing a deathly silence. With the gutting of the magazine industry now well-bedded in, many of the specialised titles that once relished in telling tales of bands on the road have disappeared. Most of the coverage of music and arts in wider mainstream media has also vanished. So now how do Kiwi acts get their voices heard? And who will step up to be the cheerleaders for the up-and-coming talent capable of placing Aotearoa on the global pop culture map? Chris Schulz, a long-time po...
Nov 23, 2023•18 min
The last time tensions were this high was during the Cold War. That’s the staggering premise of State of Threat , a new book published by Massey University Press, in which local and international experts discuss whether enough is being done to protect the country amid growing uncertainty around the globe. US-China tensions, Russian warmongering, extremism and the danger of cyber warfare are all simmering in the background while politicians also contend with complex local problems. So where does ...
Nov 22, 2023•24 min
It’s never been easier to find a good deal online. But when you’re Christmas shopping this year, some deals might seem too good to be true. But that’s because they’re coming with a hidden cost. A new report from World Vision claims that a staggering $8 billion of imports to Aotearoa every year are linked to modern slavery. Everything from shoes and clothing to furniture and electronics could be made by people working in dire conditions and paid next to nothing. So what can consumers do to ensure...
Nov 21, 2023•18 min
Anyone who has faced a morning commute on our largest city’s roads knows that Auckland has a truly painful traffic problem. Mayor Wayne Brown has ostensibly had enough and has announced a plan for congestion charging to be introduced. Councillors are supporting the move and pushing ahead with the plan, but there are also serious concerns about the impact this will have on low-income earners. So how will the plan work in practice? And more importantly, will it actually help to reduce traffic? Tod...
Nov 20, 2023•15 min
Artificial intelligence is the buzzphrase of 2023. The building blocks for this technology have long been in the works, but we have now reached the point the power of generative AI can actually be put into practice. The promise here is that it will speed up everything we do, removing the mundane and giving us more time to focus on creative challenges. But what are the unintended consequences that could emerge from this? Are we ready for the idea of fewer hours of work to do on a daily basis? And...
Nov 19, 2023•19 min
Rental prices in have skyrocketed over the last year. These high rental prices are giving young Kiwis yet another incentive to take their skills elsewhere, sparking concerns that some might exhibit their discontent by dusting off their passports. So how concerning are these rent rises? And how much worse could they become with the balance of power swinging further in favour of landlords under the new Government? On The Front Page today, Brad Olsen, the chief executive and principal economist at ...
Nov 16, 2023•18 min
Westminster is echoing with accusations of betrayal. The source of this indignation is former UK home secretary Suella Braverman. Braverman has been sacked by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after making a series of incendiary comments about the homeless, asylum seekers, and the Israel-Hamas war. After Braverman’s ousting, Sunak announced a cabinet reshuffle. The big surprise? Former PM David Cameron has returned to political office as foreign secretary. How has Cameron returned seven years a...
Nov 15, 2023•20 min
Hollywood is moving again. When the writers' strike ended after 148 days there was a hope that the actors’ union and studio representatives would be able to reach a quick resolution. Instead, the strike was only called off on day 118. SAG-AFTRA members still have to vote on the hard-bargained deal, but now they’re back to work auditioning, performing, and promoting. What were the sticking points that caused this major industrial access? Are there likely to be more show business strikes anytime s...
Nov 14, 2023•16 min
The finer details of the next Government are still being decided around the negotiating table. But two things are clear at this stage. We will have an impressive spread of 32 Māori MPs across the political parties. And secondly, the next Government made up of National, Act and NZ First will not have any Pasifika representation. There are still talented Pasifika politicians across the parties in Opposition, but will this be enough to ensure the voices of these communities are heard? And how worri...
Nov 13, 2023•19 min
Today is officially the 160th anniversary of the New Zealand Herald . Listen in to hear a bevy of birthday well-wishers including Chris Hipkins, John Key, Theresa Gattung, comedians Jono and Ben, journalist Patrick Gower, broadcaster and restaurant reviewer Jesse Mulligan, One NZ CEO Jason Paris, and finance columnist Mary Holm. The publication has survived through and witnessed two world wars, earthquakes and more than a few recessions. But it also captured many of our proudest moments: from Ka...
Nov 12, 2023•30 min
Expensive flights, grounded planes, and chaos at airports. The return of travel and tourism has not gone as smoothly as we might have hoped. But amid all these problems, there are signs that the turbulence will reduce in the coming years. A recent tourism summit saw industry leaders, share stories of how AI, luggage-sorting robots, passport-free airports, and supersonic flight could all play a role in the future of air travel. Today on The Front Page, Grant Bradley, aviation editor at the New Ze...
Nov 09, 2023•15 min
Match officials are battling to stay out of the headlines these days. Whether it’s rugby or football, most games are followed by furious debate – not on the merits of the players, but rather on whether the right referring calls were made, and if they were made fast enough. Since the highly controversial Rugby World Cup final, which was dominated by TMO decisions, we’ve also seen VAR’s use in the Premier League take a walloping from pundits. VAR and TMO are essentially video-assisted referees who...
Nov 08, 2023•16 min
One of the country’s most recognisable scientists has taken her employer to court. Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles alleges the University of Auckland did not take enough steps to protect her against the vitriolic, and often misogynistic, abuse she has suffered for years In 2020, Wiles became one of the key faces of pandemic communications, offering her expertise to the media to help the public better understand the crisis that was unfolding. But this came at cost. Wiles was soon targeted by ven...
Nov 07, 2023•16 min
A new study shows that 132,000 small businesses across Aotearoa have been hit by cybersecurity issues. Of those, 29% of bosses claim they have suffered a financial loss due to these problems. What’s most striking is that over a quarter of businesses have been forced to cut their cybersecurity budgets amid the current economic strain. They simply can’t afford to invest more in protecting their businesses. There are, however, hackers fighting on the good side to ensure that firms aren’t compromise...
Nov 06, 2023•14 min
The media sector has been rocked by some tough news this year. We’ve seen the closure of Today FM, the canning of The Project, restructuring at major news providers and a staggering report that MediaWorks faces an uncertain future. There are now even concerns that the cracks are starting to show in radio listenership. This comes after two decades, during which media companies have seen their business model absolutely disrupted by big tech. Newsrooms have contracted, while the balance sheets of G...
Nov 05, 2023•19 min
After three weeks, the final vote count is in, and while some parties have lost seats, others are enjoying their largest caucuses ever. So who's on top and who's having to swallow their campaigning words? NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett joins to give us the latest. Host: Hamish Fletcher Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 03, 2023•12 min
Artsakh is a ghost town. The disputed territory, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, was once home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians. Artsakh is officially viewed by much of the world as part of Azerbaijan. In September, Azerbaijani forces enacted a large-scale military offensive against the breakaway state. The residents fled, and soon a decree was signed that would officially dissolve all of Nagorno-Karabakh’s institutions. Despite the ongoing refugee crisis, this extraordinary story has faded fr...
Nov 02, 2023•20 min
In 16 years, the value of KiwiSaver has hit a staggering $96.2 billion dollars. While that sizeable nest egg is good news for savers longer term, recent KiwiSaver balances have made for some tough viewing. In the last three months, the total value of KiwiSaver has slipped by $1.3 billion as many funds booked negative returns. Global instability, a tough equity market and volatility in international stock prices have all placed downward pressure on fund balances. So why are these funds struggling...
Nov 01, 2023•15 min
After a three-year absence from the halls of power, NZ First leader Winston Peters is set to make a grand return. As the country awaits the final vote tally, it is widely expected the traditionally left-leaning special votes will see National and Act require the support of Peters to form a majority government. So what motivates Peters? How does he want from the negotiations? And how far will Luxon bend to his will? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior political correspondent Audrey Young sh...
Oct 31, 2023•19 min
Tropical cyclone. Hurricane. Typhoon. They go by many names, but these storms can have a devastating impact when they hit. Instead of enjoying sunny spring weather this week, the north of the country faced remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Lola which was initially set for a head-on collision with Vanuatu, before the storm was downgraded to an ex-tropical cyclone. With the rapid warming of the atmosphere due to climate change, there are growing risks that these storms will only become stronger. So ...
Oct 30, 2023•16 min
The All Blacks’ comeback story has reached its end. The team have missed out on their chance to make history at the Rugby World Cup, falling short by just one point against the Springboks. This marks the record fourth time the Springboks have won the trophy as well as the end of coach Ian Foster’s tenure in charge of the All Blacks. Foster can, however, still hold his head high, defying expectations to reach the finals. But with Foster’s era now at an end, what next for the All Blacks – and what...
Oct 29, 2023•17 min
It’s been a rough three years for Kiwis from the south to the north. But as we gear up for the summer, NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie is setting out on The Great NZ Road Trip to see if there are any sprouts of optimism around the country. Over the next two weeks, Shayne will be trading in his beloved V8 to test drive a fully electric VW ID5 as he journeys northwards from Dunedin. Along the way, he’s looking to tell the inspirational stories of everyday New Zealander and the contribution...
Oct 26, 2023•14 min
Property is the biggest investment most of us will make in our lives – and it’s often the biggest expense we face on a monthly basis. With a change in Government, property rules will invariably shift as politicians look to deliver on the promises they made to voters. These changes will lead to winners and losers across the country as the balance of power swings in a different direction. So what does a National-led Government mean for renters, first-home buyers, state house residents and property...
Oct 25, 2023•18 min
Since a brutal attack on an Israeli music festival on October 7th, relentless conflict has raged across Gaza. Thousands have already lost their lives, and there are now risks that bloodshed could stretch across borders and involve other countries. The war has also created a diplomatic minefield, with politicians picking their words very carefully when commenting on the violence. After reporting on the war in Ukraine, conflict journalist Tom Mutch is now in Israel. Today, he joins The Front Page,...
Oct 24, 2023•17 min
Aotearoa loves to have a drink, but that doesn’t mean all is well in the business of booze. We’ve seen major craft brewers and wine companies battle to make ends meet. Brothers Beer, Villa Maria and Sacred Hill are just some of the biggest names to have fallen victim to these struggles. So what’s going on in the wine and beer industries? Does this mark the end of an era for Kiwi-made alcohol? And are there any new brands carrying the New Zealand story forward? Michael Donaldson (The Pursuit for ...
Oct 23, 2023•21 min
With the election over and coalition talks in the air, it’s worth taking the time to look back at what two of the key players had to say about party policies, and each other, before the ballot boxes were emptied. Could National Party leader Christopher Luxon and Act’s David Seymour be a combo that takes our nation to a place of strength, or one that just keeps Aotearoa treading water? Hear from two of the men planning to run the country in today's edition of The Front Page. Follow The Front Page...
Oct 22, 2023•20 min
The incoming Government has promised to come down hard on gangs. This comes after several years of increased illegal activity, driven by the arrival of Australian gangs in Aotearoa. Communities have expressed deep concerns, saying they feel intimidated, unsafe and concerned about being caught in the crossfire between opposing gangs. So what are National, Act and NZ First proposing? And more importantly, will any of the strategies actually work? Today, Jared Savage, the author of two books on gan...
Oct 19, 2023•15 min
During the election campaign, the National Party vowed it would tackle the cost of living crisis. Well, having won the election, they now have to deliver on that pledge. They have inherited an economy that is in rough shape but slowly on the mend, so how big of a task lies ahead for them? And what does this crisis actually mean for those worst affected by it? Later, we’ll be joined by the New Zealand Food Network CEO Gavin Findlay to discuss how much families are struggling. On The Front Page to...
Oct 18, 2023•19 min
October 18th: In this final episode of On the Campaign for the moment, we hear from NZ Herald head of data Chris Knox about why the special votes are so important in determining the shape and makeup of the next government. Host: Hamish Fletcher Producer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 18, 2023•8 min
