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
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
