There are continued calls to tighten alcohol laws in New Zealand. The growing trend of online deliveries has made advocates worried, with a study finding a large portion of alcohol deliveries bypassed ID checks. Meanwhile, Auckland's new alcohol policy, starting December 9, will reduce sales hours and tighten regulations on new liquor licenses. Across the ditch, New South Wales is looking to introduce new rules to regulate pre-mixed alcoholic beverages, especially those with candy-like flavours ...
Dec 04, 2024•24 min
New Zealand’s summer is shaping up to be hotter and drier than average. The country’s forecast has shrugged off the rainy start to summer with temperatures soaring into the 30s in some parts in the coming week. But, moving through January and February, the weather patterns are predicted to become more La Nina-like, which would bring increased chances of more rain events. So as the country gears up for a summer break, today on The Front Page, we’re looking at what is on the cards weather-wise for...
Dec 03, 2024•15 min
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has told the party it must change if it wants to re-gain the trust it's lost. The party held its annual conference in Christchurch at the weekend, the first time its members have met since the 2023 election defeat. The party has inched closer to campaigning on a wealth tax or a capital gains tax, at the next election - after members passed a proposal to move the idea forward. And it’s made three major promises – a full Dunedin Hospital rebuild, rail-enabled ferr...
Dec 02, 2024•20 min
Pharmac is now funding a new medicine and has removed renewal criteria for ADHD treatments. Advocates are welcoming the move – saying it’s a game-changer that will save the health system tens of millions of dollars. But, there are warnings it could lead to over-diagnosing and over-prescribing. Today on The Front Page, co-founder of DivergenThinking and registered psychologist, Anton Ashcroft joins us to discuss. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get yo...
Dec 01, 2024•19 min
It’s Black Friday and many Kiwi shoppers have already begun the hunt for some great deals. While some retailers promise big discounts – sometimes, all is not what it seems. Claims of retailers hiking prices before discounting them to make them look like a better deal are becoming more common – making us wonder, are the specials really that special? So, during a time when Kiwis are counting their pennies – how can we make sure we are getting the most bang for our buck. Today on The Front Page, pr...
Nov 28, 2024•15 min
The official cash rate has been cut by 50 basis points, bringing it down to 4.25 percent. This marks the third consecutive cut to the OCR since August and brings it to the lowest level since November 2022. With inflation also dropping last month to 2.2 percent, stats show an improving economy – but low spending is sparking concerns that we aren’t out of the woods yet. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub to run through the numbers. Follow The Front ...
Nov 27, 2024•18 min
Today marks a year since the coalition government of National, Act and New Zealand First took office. The coalition hit the ground running, by reversing the previous Labour Government’s agenda in a ‘policy bonfire’, slimming down the public service, and reverting many Crown organisations to their English names. This, and the scrapping of the Māori Health Authority, kickstarted tensions between this Government and Māoridom – with backlash on the Treaty Principles Bill only adding fuel to the flam...
Nov 26, 2024•19 min
Climate change conference COP29 has wrapped up with a significant but controversial final agreement. Negotiations came down to the wire over a US$1.3 trillion to help finance poorer countries to deal with the impacts of climate change and cut emissions. But, only about $300 billion of that target will come from direct payments or loans from richer countries – which has sparked backlash from nations in the direct line of fire from rising sea levels and increasing temperatures. So what does this d...
Nov 25, 2024•22 min
New research shows a third of New Zealand adults are obese – and policies focused on individual responsibility are failing. A Helen Clark Foundation report suggests tackling obesity will require cracking down on junk food advertising, the proliferation of takeaways, and bringing in new levies on unhealthy products. So, is the era of placing the blame on the individual going to be a thing of the past? And can the government to anything to curb obesity in this country? Today on The Front Page, Hel...
Nov 24, 2024•17 min
Regional development has been a major focus of the coalition government. The Fast Track Bill, the return of oil and gas exploration and the Regional Infrastructure Fund is all promised to get work back to the regions and help them thrive. And the man running the show is the so-called Matua of Mining and Prince of the Provinces, Shane Jones. He’s the Minister for oceans and fisheries, regional development, and resources – and there’s not an endangered frog or a surfing hippie that’s going to get ...
Nov 21, 2024•16 min
The Government’s promised the “free ride” for gangs, is officially over. From today, gang patches will no longer be allowed to be worn in public, courts will be able to issue non-consorting orders, and Police will be able to stop members from communicating with each other. Greater weight will also be given to gang membership at sentencing – and repeat offenders continually convicted of displaying their patches in public will be subject to a new court order, prohibiting them from possessing any g...
Nov 20, 2024•19 min
The war in Ukraine has hit the one-thousand-day mark. On February 24, 2022 – Russia invaded Ukraine – since then, hundreds of thousands of people have died, many more have been injured, and millions are displaced. It's been called the largest and deadliest in Europe since World War II. This week, US President Joe Biden gave the green light for Ukraine to strike Russia with US-made, long-range missiles. It comes just nine weeks before Donald Trump takes office, who on the election trail pledged t...
Nov 19, 2024•19 min
The hikoi that started in Cape Reinga and has made its way down the country arrives in Wellington today. While many have taken part in various stages of the hikoi, tens of thousands of people are expected outside the Beehive today, as a protest against the Government’s policies impacting Maori, including the Treaty Principles Bill. Te Pati Maori have been leading the push back against the Government, notably with a viral haka stunt in Parliament during the Bill’s first reading that has garnered ...
Nov 18, 2024•20 min
On August 9 2021, the day after the Tokyo Olympics ended, cyclist Olivia Podmore died in a suspected suicide. Podmore had represented New Zealand in the 2016 Olympics, but was not selected five years later. Her death sparked shock throughout the close knit cycling community and wider sporting network, and the culture at Cycling NZ was eventually investigated. Now, over three years later, a coronial inquiry into Podmore’s death is due to begin today. NZ Herald reporter Tom Dillane has been coveri...
Nov 17, 2024•18 min
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 have 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, a...
Nov 14, 2024•22 min
David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to Parliament last week – with its first reading debate scheduled for today. The bill has sparked fierce criticism since it was included as part of National and Act’s coalition agreement last year. Protests are expected outside Parliament today, while thousands of marchers protesting Government policies affecting Maori crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge yesterday as part of a hikoi to Parliament. So, now that we’ve actually seen the Bill, wh...
Nov 13, 2024•16 min
As votes continue to be counted in the US, President-elect Donald Trump has swept all seven battleground states, confirming his dominant performance in the country’s election. While many were shocked that the US would return to Trump after four years, many voters have made it clear their feelings about high inflation and the cost of living under the Biden administration swayed them towards the Republicans. It’s a similar sentiment that helped National, Act and NZ First ascend to power in our ele...
Nov 12, 2024•23 min
Gen Z can be credited with a few things – an uptick in climate awareness, the ability to work any kind of technology, and the revival of straight leg jeans, just to name a few. However, recruiters across the ditch in Australia have spoken out about Gen Z graduates’ demands on employers –saying their arrogant expectations are leaving a bad taste in their bosses’ mouths. The oldest of the generation, born between 1997 and 2012, are 27 years old, so they are set to stick around in the workplace for...
Nov 11, 2024•15 min
Ever feel like you’re getting less bang for your buck at the supermarket? Well you might be right. As production costs rise, many companies have been resorting to what’s called ‘Shrinkflation’. Rather than raising the cost to the consumer, they make the product smaller while charging the same price. According to a Global Inflation Monitor survey in 2023, 46% of consumers said that they have noticed shrinkflation, with 55% of kiwi consumers noticing the tactic and the same amount stating the prac...
Nov 10, 2024•15 min
Donald J. Trump will become the 47th President of the United States of America. Democrat Kamala Harris called the former president to congratulate him and offer their support for a peaceful transition of power. Trump won’t take up office until January 20 next year – and there are a few things that’ll happen between now and then. He faces sentencing for his felony conviction for a start, that’s put down for November 26. A judge, though, could decide to throw it out though before then. There are t...
Nov 07, 2024•13 min
The rise and rise of online retailers has hit an all-time high – with the likes of Temu and Shein dominating consumption worldwide. New research has revealed over the course of three months, one in four New Zealanders surveyed purchased products from ultra-fast fashion retailer Temu. A further 14% of Kiwis are estimated to have recently purchased from Shein. The stats keep coming: Tearfund’s 2021 Ethical Fashion Report found in 2019 that 40% of clothes imported into New Zealand could be made usi...
Nov 06, 2024•22 min
It’s the one story that’s been impossible to escape this year – the US Presidential election. Months of debates, rallies, and shocking developments have led to today when Americans are heading to the polls to decide who will lead their nation for the next four years. Vice-President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee. Taking over from incumbent Joe Biden, she’s up against former President Donald Trump in what many are calling one of the most important elections of our lifetime. We speak to N...
Nov 05, 2024•21 min
Remember remember the fifth of November... It’s Guy Fawkes, which means a sleepless night for some of our furry friends. For more than 400 years the English Catholic’s failure to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London has been celebrated – but at what cost? Every year we are warned by the likes of the SPCA that what is an exciting night for us, is a terrifying night for animals. Not to mention Fire and Emergency NZ is continuously urging people to think about the risk of fireworks before buy...
Nov 04, 2024•13 min
If there’s one topic Kiwis never get tired of talking about, it’s houses. It’s the biggest purchase most people will ever make in their lives, so if you’re looking to buy, it pays to do your research. Fortunately, OneRoof has today released its official ranking of the 100 hottest suburbs across the nation. Alongside data partner Valocity, the experts have combed through every neighbourhood in the country, and rated them on factors like affordability, amenities, and growth potential. Today on the...
Nov 03, 2024•18 min
It was a murder trial that gripped New Zealand, and the world. Pauline Hanna was found dead in a Remuera home she shared with her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, on April 5, 2021. What followed was a months-long investigation, Polkinghorne charged with murder, a mammoth trial and eventually, an acquittal. A jury came back with the not guilty verdict in September – a moment that would not be mark the end of this saga. That’s because on day one of the trial, former Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkin...
Nov 01, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 22
New Zealand’s hunt to poach overseas doctors gets another tool in the toolbox today. From now, medical graduates from the UK, Ireland and Australia will be able to have their applications for registration assessed within 20 working days. It’ll speed up a process that would usually take six months – and the government hopes it’ll fill critical gaps in our health workforce. But, unions on the ground doubt the impact of this fast-track pathway – saying it’s welcome, but not sure that it's going to ...
Oct 31, 2024•18 min
Auckland’s Mayor Wayne Brown has never shied away from telling us exactly what he thinks. He’s waged war on council-controlled organisations, like EkePanuku and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, with proposals to abolish them altogether and bring their activities in-house. He’s never thought twice in criticising who he calls the “weasels in Wellington” (or, central Government), and he’s also never shied away from voicing his concerns around Auckland Transport, which is currently dealing with a wave of ...
Oct 30, 2024•14 min
India has suffered its first series defeat at home since 2012 – at the hands of none other than New Zealand. The 2-0 defeat came when India was bowled out for 245 by the Black Caps in their chase of 359 on the third day of the second test. So, what does this mean for cricket in New Zealand? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald online sports editor, Alex Powell joins us to discuss this historic win – and why it matters. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you g...
Oct 29, 2024•12 min
Sending your DNA in to a website to find out your background has become a trendy thing to do. But, is there a hidden cost to this? DNA testing company 23andMe is in financial crisis, raising questions about what will happen to the data it holds on 15 million customers worldwide. New Zealanders are concerned their genetic information could be on-sold and used for other purposes, including insurance or law enforcement. Today on The Front Page, privacy lawyer Rick Shera joins us to explain the conc...
Oct 28, 2024•19 min
In 2011, NZ Herald journalist David Fisher became aware that a woman had been caught catfishing dozens of teenage boys and young men across New Zealand. Catfishing is a term used for people who use stolen photos to pretend to be someone else online, usually to form relationships with real people across social media. Fisher would go on to expose the woman behind the false online accounts as Natalia Burgess. She referred to herself as ‘The Puppeteer’. Fisher interviewed Burgess on several occasion...
Oct 27, 2024•22 min
