Episodes
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National has unveiled an ambitious new trade pitch, promising to pursue New Zealand’s “next billion customers”.
The party says it’s all part of a plan to grow exports, create jobs and boost incomes, with a long-term goal of doubling export value by 2034.
Supporters say that is the kind of ambition a small trading nation needs. Sceptics say the policy may be trying to do too much at once.
Today on The Front Page, BusinessDesk Senior Correspondent Dileepa Fonseka joins us to dig into the policy, the politics, and what it could actually mean for the New Zealand economy.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Kim Dotcom has spent more than a decade at the centre of one of New Zealand’s most high-profile legal and political sagas.
From the dramatic FBI-backed raid on his Coatesville mansion in 2012, to the long-running fight over extradition to the United States... The former Megaupload mogul is never far from the headlines.
Now, with fresh developments putting Dotcom back in the spotlight, the big question is no longer just what’s happened, but what comes next.
Is this the beginning of the end of a years-long legal battle, or is there still another twist to come?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer David Fisher joins us to help us make sense of the latest twist in the Kim Dotcom saga, why this case has lasted so long, and what could happen next.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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El Niño is back and scientists say it could become one of the strongest we’ve ever had to deal with.
That means the weather patterns shaping our spring and summer may be about to shift in a big way.
But El Niño can also be one of those phrases we hear a lot without always fully understanding what it actually means or how seriously we should take it when scientists start sounding the alarm.
So, what is happening in the Pacific right now, why does it matter so much for us here in New Zealand, and how worried should we be about what’s coming?
Today on The Front Page, Earth Sciences New Zealand principal scientist Chris Brandolino is with us to explain what’s driving this El Niño event, what it could mean for New Zealand in the months ahead.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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New Zealand’s hospitality scene feels like it’s at a crossroads.
On one hand, cafés, bars and restaurants are battling a brutal mix of rising costs, mounting debts and changing consumer habits.
Venues are closing, owners are exhausted, and many are wondering how much longer they can hang on.
On the other, Aotearoa has just taken a historic step onto the global culinary stage, with the launch of its first ever Michelin Guide and Kiwi restaurants receiving coveted stars.
It’s a moment that could reshape tourism, attract high‑value visitors, and shine a new spotlight on the talent in our kitchens.
Today on The Front Page, Hospitality NZ’s Kristy Phillips is with us to talk about how tough things really are, what the Michelin Guide could mean for the sector, and whether there is genuine light at the end of the tunnel for New Zealand hospitality.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Fuel prices are one of those costs that almost everyone notices immediately.
When they rise, households feel it, businesses feel it, and suddenly a number on the forecourt becomes a national talking point.
The average price of petrol has dipped under $3 for the first time in more than three months as a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran holds.
If the price stays below $3 for four consecutive weeks, the Government’s fuel support package aimed at 143,000 low-to-middle income families will end.
They’re currently getting $50 a week through a boost to the in-work tax credit.
But, how low will prices go? And how likely is it that prices will soar again?
Today on The Front Page, AA fuel spokesperson Terry Collins is with us to unpack how fuel prices in New Zealand actually work, what’s driving them right now, and whether the current reprieve could last.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Benefits, boosting apprenticeships, and the coalition headache already looming over Election 2026.
Both Labour and Act kickstarted their campaigns at the weekend.
David Seymour wants a much tougher welfare system. Chris Hipkins wants to bolster a Covid-era trade scheme.
Meanwhile, National’s questioning its coalition partners’ intentions, with Christopher Luxon not “100% sure” about whether they can take Winston Peters’ word he won’t work with Labour.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan is with us to break down the weekend’s big political moves, and what they might mean for the campaign ahead.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The New Zealand Police has been rocked by an investigation into the country’s top cop.
An inquiry’s underway into complaints against Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.
He is strongly denying the claims.
But, it comes at a time when trust and confidence in police is on shaky ground already.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah is with us to take us through how we got here, and what happens next.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Could now be the time to see a new party in Government? Better yet, is it time to see a new Kingmaker?
The Opportunity Party is nearing the 5% threshold to get into Parliament for the first time in its 10-year history.
At the centre of that pitch is a bold Tax Reset policy: a universal Citizens Income, a Land Value Tax, and a major rethink of retirement savings.
But the real question now is whether voters are genuinely ready to send Opportunity to Wellington, or whether this is another polling bump that will fade before election day.
Today on The Front Page, Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong is with us to talk about the party’s momentum, the policies driving it, and whether this is finally the year TOP crosses the line into Parliament.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Misleading information, unanswered questions, and more than $30 million down the drain and nothing to show for it.
You may have heard about immigration officials being in hot water lately over scrapping an IT upgrade and apparently obscuring information relating to the project’s cost blowouts.
Even the Prime Minister has admitted his confidence in the public service has taken a knock over the debacle.
So, what exactly happened? How could it happen? And how do we make sure public money isn’t squandered on stupid projects?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse is with us to take us through what has happened, and where to from here.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Tourism is booming again, but who should pay for the pressure that comes with it?
A powerful alliance of mayors and tourism leaders is pushing for a nationwide accommodation levy, or bed tax.
They argue tourists should help fund the roads, rubbish collection, public facilities and major events that keep our biggest destinations running.
Supporters say it’s a common-sense user-pays model, one that would take pressure off local ratepayers.
But critics say it’s just another tax, one that could make New Zealand more expensive and harder to compete as a travel destination.
So why is this idea back on the table now? Why has it failed to get across the line before? And if a levy does happen, who pays, who collects it, and where should the money go?
Today on The Front Page, Regional Tourism New Zealand chair Andrew Wilson is with us to discuss the growing push for an accommodation levy.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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One major theme has emerged for this year’s election... money.
Two parties at the weekend launched ideas to get the country’s finances in order and future-proof our economy for generations to come.
National held its annual party conference in high spirits, despite a polling support slide since the last election. They announced policy that would make KiwiSaver compulsory, raise minimum contributions, and require employers pay for staff over 65.
On the other hand, the Greens are focusing on taxing the rich, imposing a levy on the four big banks, and taxing offshore profits earned by tech giants.
NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor is with us to break it all down.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Super Rugby Pacific final is here, and the excitement is already at fever pitch.
Tickets for the decider on Saturday sold out in just 15 minutes, as the Hurricanes and Chiefs prepare to meet in Wellington in what shapes as one of the biggest rugby nights of the year.
So what makes this matchup so compelling? Which team has the edge, which players could define the contest, and what does the huge demand for tickets say about the state of rugby in New Zealand right now?
Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Rugby Direct podcast co-hosts the Herald’s Liam Napier and NewstalkZB’s Elliott Smith to break down the final, the key storylines, and why this game has captured so much attention.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Shane Jones’ controversial fisheries reform has been abandoned – for now.
The Oceans and Fisheries Minister told a select committee today that his “much-loved bill” would not be progressed in this term of government.
The Fisheries Amendment Bill had caused division within the coalition... changes to minimum legal-size limits for commercial fishing operators had to be walked back.
Other changes included plans to block the public from obtaining footage of fish dumping under the OIA.
Meanwhile, Jones has revealed that two orca were found dead as bycatch – the first recorded deaths of orcas in set nets in New Zealand.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah is with us.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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For years, New Zealand has spent big on infrastructure without always getting the results to match.
Now, the Government's vowing to change that.
It’s supporting all 16 recommendations in the Infrastructure Commission's National Plan – a blueprint for how the country plans, funds, and delivers the things we all rely on.
The 30-year plan includes a review of the Land Transport Fund and requires Crown entities to publish long-term investment plans.
Labour and the Greens are also backing it -- but the question remains whether this is the beginning of real reform, or just another ambitious plan on paper.
Today on The Front Page, Infrastructure NZ Chief Executive Nick Leggett joins us to discuss what it all means.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis fronted a press conference on Sunday, complete with a black dossier labelled Labour's Hidden Bill, accusing the opposition of leaving an $18 billion funding gap in its plans.
Since then, independent economists have also questioned Labour’s figures around their recently announced fare cap policy, saying the numbers don’t quite stack up.
Labour says the attack is a distraction while National says voters deserve answers.
But beyond the numbers themselves, does this tell us something about how both major parties plan to fight the election campaign?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford joins us to unpack the battle over Labour's alleged hidden costs and what it reveals about the state of Election 2026.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Donald Trump says the United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement, with a formal signing ceremony expected later this week.
The announcement follows weeks of negotiations and comes in the wake of an Israeli strike on Beirut that reportedly disrupted the process at the last minute.
If the agreement holds, it could reshape relations across the Middle East and have implications for everything from regional security to global oil markets.Today on The Front Page, Robert Patman - professor of international politics at Otago University - joins us to discuss what the deal means and how durable it’s likely to be in reality.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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A leading paediatrician is warning more New Zealand babies will end up in hospital this winter while a treatment that could prevent many RSV cases remains unavailable.
The breakthrough antibody injection is already being used in countries like Australia, the UK and the US, but here it's still awaiting approval and funding decisions.
The delay has reignited questions about how we prioritise child health and whether New Zealand is moving quickly enough when it comes to proven medicines.
Today on The Front Page, senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah joins us to discuss his reporting on this issue, before we speak to recently retired South Auckland paediatrician Dr Adrian Trenholme about what he's witnessed on the frontline over nearly five decades.
Michael Morrah's story:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/top-paediatrician-warns-more-babies-will-suffer-as-rsv-drug-still-unapproved/SMDDIY4VDJCOVN6RZDFNF2VBGU/Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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For just the third time in history, New Zealand is heading to football's biggest stage.
The FIFA World Cup is ready for kick off and the All Whites are returning to the tournament for the first time since that memorable campaign in South Africa in 2010. Back then, New Zealand achieved something no other team did – leaving the tournament undefeated.
Fast forward to 2026 and the World Cup is bigger, the game is faster – the competition has changed, and the All Whites have changed too. With a deeper squad, and captain Chris Wood coming off the best season of his career, do we dare let our hopes go beyond being “just happy to be there”?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald sports reporter Chris Reive joins us to discuss New Zealand's chances and the stories set to shape the world's biggest sporting tournament.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Labour has unveiled its first major policy announcement since the Budget, promising to cap weekly public transport fares at $20 in the main centres. But is this really just a transport policy, or the first glimpse of a broader election strategy?
Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins Richard Martin to break down what the announcement says about Labour's campaign, whether the numbers stack up and why cost of living is shaping up as the key battleground.
They also discuss the controversy surrounding Labour's newest candidate, the scrutiny over Chris Hipkins' holiday home mortgage and whether the Opposition leader is entering the election campaign in a stronger position than many expected.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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A few months ago, the Government said New Zealanders could end up helping fund a new LNG import terminal through their power bills. Now it's changed its mind.
As of today, the customer levy is gone, but the plan to import liquefied natural gas as a backup for dry years is still very much alive.
So why the backdown and who ultimately will end up paying?
And with LNG now being described as the fastest and most flexible option available by 2028, is this the best solution for New Zealand's dry-year problem, or just the quickest one on the table?
Today we're joined by New Zealand Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford to discuss the politics, economics and energy security questions behind one of the Government's biggest infrastructure bets.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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