The Front Page
Episodes
What do political lobbyists in New Zealand really do?
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former cabinet Minister Kris Faafoi has confirmed that he will be launching a lobbying firm. In doing so, he joins an influential group of spin doctor...
Bird of the Year returns - the endangered birds that need your support
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the nation’s most anticipated elections is back for another year. The two-week voting period for Bird of the Year kicks off today, one year...
Tax cuts versus wealth tax - what's really best for New Zealand?
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tax cuts are always a hot topic before a general election, and 2023 is shaping up to be no different. However, a new report from Oxfam has ranked New ...
Should we follow the US and decriminalise cannabis possession?
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
US President Joe Biden has announced federal pardons for those convicted of cannabis possession, wiping clean a criminal record that may have made it ...
Why farmers aren't happy with emissions payment plan they consulted on
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A world-first scheme will see farmers in New Zealand pay for methane emissions from their livestock by 2025. The Government has admitted that gett...
Wayne Brown wants to 'fix' Auckland - how does he plan to do that?
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland has spoken, and the country’s largest city has a new mayor in Wayne Brown. The former mayor of the Far North says his win gives him a manda...
Protests in Iran: What's behind the global call for change?
09 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After years of systemic repression of women, the people of Iran are calling for change, a call their government can no longer ignore. So what’s sp...
Will Aotearoa step up for the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The ninth edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup is kicking off. The excitement is tangible for the growing legion of fans who enjoy following their...
Why feral and roaming dogs are causing havoc
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Roaming and feral dogs are causing chaos in Northland. Dozens of livestock have fallen, and August saw a man tragically lose his life to pack of dogs....
Fboy Island scandal: What was TVNZ thinking?
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new reality show has been rocked by revelations regarding the previous behaviour of one of the contestants. The NZ Herald revealed that Wayde Moore ...
Beatrice Faumuina & Niva Retimanu on NZ media's lack of diversity
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Aotearoa is incredibly diverse, with more than 200 different ethnicities within our community. But you wouldn’t think that if you looked at our medi...
What can be done about Aotearoa's youth mental health crisis?
02 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s young people are facing a crisis of mental health. A recent harrowing story showed how powerless a family was amid the downward s...
Auckland mayoral debate - Efeso Collins & Wayne Brown make their pitch
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Auckland mayoral hopefuls Efeso Collins and Wayne Brown face off for a debate in moderated by Herald journalists Simon Wilson, ...
Will Vodafone's big rebrand pay off, or crash and burn?
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Vodafone brand is set to disappear from Aotearoa's marketing landscape. In its place, we will see the emergence of one.nz, with the colour gree...
Christchurch mayoral debate - Mauger vs Meates in the battle for votes
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, Christchurch mayoral hopefuls David Meates and Phil Mauger made their cases in front of an audience for why they should get the...
Is the currency crash bad news for NZ's cost of living headache?
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Currency markets have been absolutely rocked over the last week. The British pound has collapsed, and the New Zealand dollar has also been on a sh...
Putin cornered and sending in 'cannon fodder': Would he go nuclear?
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Could Russia’s war spread further? Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no sign of giving up on the embattled nation of Ukraine and has made veile...
What's next for schools now the decile system is gone?
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Aotearoa’s school decile system has been scrapped. In its place we now have an equity index that will change how the distribution of funding to ...
Phil Goff's exit interview: What it's like to run Auckland's super city
25 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After two terms, current Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is stepping aside. As things stand, Efeso Collins and Wayne Brown look the most likely candidates to...
Mood of the Boardroom - what do NZ's CEOs make of the government?
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s CEOs have had their say. The latest edition of the annual Mood of the Boardroom has surveyed 165 high-profile executives and directors...
The marine heatwave set to make temperatures rise this summer
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meteorologists are forecasting that New Zealand may be in for another major marine heatwave this summer. There are concerns that it could be as se...
Suitcase homicides: What will happen next?
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In early August, it was first reported that human remains had been discovered inside suitcases purchased by a Manurewa family. A few weeks later, ...
The Queen has been laid to rest - what happens next?
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Queen Elizabeth II has been laid to rest. It was the final event for a monarch who dedicated seven decades of her 96 years to a role she inherited. ...
As Putin's war rages on, a look at the man who showed he can be challenged
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine rages on, the world continues to watch in horror. But his invasion is just the latest example of Putin's aut...
What you need to know about Queen Elizabeth II's funeral
18 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth the second is set to commence today. The event will be attended by more than 2000 official guests, including many heads...
How safe is New Zealand's construction industry?
18 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A spate of recent accidents has drawn attention to the dangers of working in the construction industry. Amputations, explosions, electrocutions an...
Is it time New Zealand officially becomes Aotearoa?
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A recent petition signed by 70,000 people suggested that it was time to change the official name of New Zealand to Aotearoa. This comes amid growing a...
Is NZ's stuttering travel industry ready to bounce back?
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Covid restrictions have been removed, the borders have been opened, and Kiwis can take flights overseas with no worries about restrictions. The new...
Is New Zealand's justice system failing victims?
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The recent case of a teenage rapist who was sentenced to nine months of home detention has sparked debate across New Zealand. Hundreds recently took t...
Where does the Queen's death leave the rest of the royals?
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For the first time in 70 years, the British royal family has to consider what it looks like under a new monarch. King Charles has made no secret of ...
The changes and challenges ahead for King Charles III
11 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The changeover from one monarch to the next is a moment seeped in history and tradition. Not only for the UK, but the entire commonwealth of nations. ...
Commonwealth in mourning in wake of Queen Elizabeth II's death
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96, bringing an end to her seven decades as queen. King Charles takes the throne immediately and will be known as Kin...
Inside the error that sent Northland into a Covid lockdown
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Last year, two Covid-positive women sent Northland into an 11-day lockdown after entering the region when they weren’t supposed to. Reports at ti...
Why major global brands are flocking to New Zealand
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand may be a small country at the bottom of the world, but some of the major retail brands that we’ve heard about for decades have started e...
Why the world is watching our falling house prices
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
House prices have been on the slide all year, amid what economists are calling a significant correction in the housing markets. At the same, interest ...
Should we be dropping the last of our Covid restrictions?
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The world has been battling Covid-19 for nearly three years. But increasingly, people are having to learn to live with the virus. Recently, Prime Mi...
Can Warriors bounce back after another horror season?
04 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Warriors ended the season with one final heartbreak, throwing away a commanding lead to lose the last game of 2022. This result left them second f...
The legal battle linking Hollywood, Cornwall Park and NZ's events industry
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For over 100 years, New Zealanders have flocked to Auckland Showgrounds for a wide variety of events. But the doors could soon permanently close on ...
Inside the Government's u-turn over KiwiSaver reforms
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
24 hours is a long time in politics. On Tuesday, the Government tabled a bill aimed at fixing a GST imbalance between small and large KiwiSaver provid...
The key local election races and why you should be paying attention
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Voting documents will soon be sent out, inviting enrolled New Zealanders to cast their votes in the local elections. While this is meant to be an impo...
Why unions are making a comeback - and should you join one?
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a member of a union? In many industries, it’s not a question that gets asked much these days. The golden age of unions has long passed, an...
Why the Government's transport plans face a rocky road ahead
28 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand is a nation of car lovers – but it’s a costly fascination, not only for motorheads but for the Government. Roads require maintenan...
What made Trevor Mallard such a controversial Speaker?
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Trevor Mallard has departed his role as Speaker after almost five years of controversy. For his nearly four decades of service to the Labour Party, he...
Why are we still offering big financial incentives to Hollywood studios?
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The New Zealand Government has been pouring money into attracting large movie makers to Aotearoa. One of the big benefactors was the new Lord of t...
Is New Zealand prepared for the effects of extreme weather?
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Over the last week Nelson has been devastated by floods. Homes have been rendered unlivable, roads have been damaged, landslides have led to evacuatio...
As protesters return to Parliament, is their rage here to stay?
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More than a thousand protesters are set to converge at parliament today. Fueled by frustration and anger, they falsely accuse the Government, public...
How to avoid a Lotto dream turning into a financial nightmare
21 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What would you do if you won Lotto? It's a question we’ve all asked ourselves. It’s the ultimate get-rich-quick fantasy that the majority of the...
Rugby Direct - Inside the decision to keep Ian Foster as coach
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, after intense speculation across New Zealand and the global rugby community, the New Zealand Rugby board announced that Ian Foster will rem...
Is there a right way to tackle youth crime?
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The number of people reporting that they are victims of crime has shot up to record levels. Worryingly, we are also seeing a growing trend of offences...
What does the Official Cash Rate hike mean for the average Kiwi?
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s Reserve Bank is desperate to bring inflation under control. Official Cash Rate lifts over the last 12 months have been the most aggres...
Is there a plan to fix two decades of falling literacy rates?
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At the start of this century, New Zealand was considered one of the most literate countries in the world. However, multiple reports in recent years ...
Explaining the political scandals hitting Labour and National
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A week is a long time in politics – and what a week it has been for our major parties. National’s post-conference buzz was quickly dampened afte...
The cost of convenience - has Uber's success harmed local industry?
14 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The story of Uber is one of convenience. It’s about how a simple piece of tech has been at the forefront of the way people call a ride or have food ...
25 years after Princess Diana's death, is history repeating itself?
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This month marks 25 years since Diana, Princess of Wales died in a car crash in Paris. The shadow of her still hangs over the British monarchy, whi...
As All Blacks suffer historic lows - is it time to up support for other sports?
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The All Blacks have lost five of their last six games. Their latest loss against old rival South Africa leaves coach Ian Foster and captain Sam Cane...
Which party has the right approach to the welfare system?
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s welfare system has become a hot-button political issue. Politicians on all sides of the aisle have expressed their opinions on how ...
What life is like in Ukraine six months into Russia's invasion
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It has been nearly six months since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Yet for the millions of Ukrainians affected by the conflict, these past f...
As Europe burns, is our overworked fire service ready for wildfire threat?
07 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 2022, wildfires have scorched more than 600,000 hectares of Europe. This ranks as the second-highest total for any year, and comes amid a heatwave ...
War, crime, and Covid - debating the chaos of 2022 so far
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ukraine. Climate change. The Economy. Local and national politics.Rising violence. And, of course, Covid-19. The Front Page has covered a lot of topic...
Why are Auckland Mayoral candidates struggling to cut through?
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The political fight for Auckland mayor is balanced on a knife edge and things are starting to get dirty. Polls separate four candidates by only a f...
How the cost of living payment became so messy
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next three months, more than two million New Zealanders are set to receive a $350 payment from the Government. That money is intended to...
How the shift online is cutting off New Zealanders
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine waking up one morning and realising the door to almost every public service was shut to you. No matter how hard you tried, you simply couldn’...
Has New Zealand become an angry nation?
31 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a growing trend of anti-social behaviour across Aotearoa that’s affecting people of all walks of life. Recently, we’ve seen shocking hea...
How big of a threat is Foot and Mouth Disease?
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new threat has got New Zealand’s agricultural community on edge. Foot and mouth disease, which devastated farming communities in England 21 year...
Inside Gloriavale's controversial history and recent backlash
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The isolated religious community of Gloriavale has gripped the nation for years. The church’s ongoing attempts to project an image of wholesome C...
Monkeypox is now a global health emergency - what you need to know
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Monkeypox cases are surging around the world. The World Health Organisation has now declared the spread a global emergency and countries are scramb...
Why Green Party members are trying to oust James Shaw
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The future of Green Party co-leader James Shaw is on the line. Party delegates have voted to reopen nominations for his position, opening the door ...
Businesses and migrants want immigration reset - will Government listen?
24 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand's net migration has been negative since March 2021. In the year to April, 8500 more people left than arrived, heaping pressure on bu...
Why are people being refused an assisted death?
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When euthanasia legislation was passed, critics worried that it could result in a slippery slope of people choosing die. But report suggests that t...
What burnt-out doctors and nurses need right now
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Emergency department wait times are the longest they’ve been in a decade. Doctors and nurses are battling against a surge in Covid-19 infections...
How much longer will the inflation pain last?
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation exceeded expectations to hit 7.3 per cent this week. The highest level seen since 1990. Everything from construction costs to petrol and fo...
Could New Zealand be one of the worst countries to move to?
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new survey has identified New Zealand as the second worst place to move to out of 52 nations. The only country which rated worse was Kuwait. Is Ao...
How can the All Blacks recover after the historic loss against Ireland?
17 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Groans were heard up and down the country on Saturday night when Ireland defeated the All Blacks 32 to 22, clinching a series victory for the visitin...
Gangs, ram raids, random attacks - is crime really on the rise?
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Police Minister Chris Hipkins has admitted that tensions between gangs are at a high. As a result, the Government has proposed new legislation tar...
Bankruptcy, protests and a fleeing president - what's happening in Sri Lanka?
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sri Lanka has been in turmoil for months. Rising food costs, long blackouts, fuel and medicine shortages, and a fertiliser crisis have severely impact...
Why wild weather is becoming more common in NZ
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Few things grip the nation’s attention as firmly as an intense weather event. And recently, it seems that those events are becoming more common and ...
Why Auckland's fighting over housing intensification
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s widely accepted that New Zealand needs to build more houses to accommodate a rapidly growing population. But as a recently Auckland Council v...
What would it take for Christchurch to be our next Super City?
10 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Christchurch could become New Zealand’s next Super City. Rapid population growth projected over the next few decades has planners mulling whether...
Boris Johnson has resigned as UK PM: Inside the scandal that brought him down
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Boris Johnson has officially resigned as leader of Britain's Conservative Party. He plans to remain as UK prime minister while the leadership conte...
From Top Gun to Stranger Things - are we addicted to nostalgia?
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our culture appears to have become dominated by the dreams of the past - whether that’s clinging to the idea of a mythical golden era or just a time...
Covid numbers have spiked - is it time to move to red?
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand is being hit by a winter wave of Covid-19. Case numbers are rising rapidly and understaffed hospitals are coming under increased strain. ...
Chlöe Swarbrick explains why she's fighting to change our alcohol laws
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Green politician Chlöe Swarbrick is set to take on the booze business. Her alcohol reduction bill, recently drawn from the biscuit tin, proposes a...
Dissecting the EU trade deal - is it time to diversify our exports?
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a major new trade deal with the European Union. The promise is that it would help grow exports to the EU...
Has the Country Calendar backlash highlighted wider rural tensions?
03 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A recent episode of the ever-popular Country Calendar has divided audiences in the rural community. The unconventional methods of businesspeople Geoff...
What can the community expect from new Ministry for Disabled People
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today marks the beginning of Aotearoa’s newest ministry. The newly established Ministry for Disabled People is meant to act as a powerful voice f...
What you need to know about Health NZ and the end of the DHBs
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Government’s sweeping plan to abolish all 20 District Health Boards comes into effect this week. The move will replace the DHBS with a singl...
What does the end of Roe v Wade mean for the US and NZ?
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Over the weekend, the US Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v Wade decision - effectively striking down the nearly 50-year enshrined right of ...
After random stabbing attacks, how safe are our streets?
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Two random knife attacks in a few days have rattled the nation. The motivations behind the incidents are still unclear, but they’ve drawn attention ...
After winter warnings, is our national power grid fit for purpose?
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealanders were warned last week that we were at risk of nationwide energy blackout. High demand combined with a winter snap meant that we were...
Is our public transport network ready to replace our cars?
26 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand should be in a golden era for public transport. A growing awareness of climate change, combined with congestion frustrations, should m...
Stacey Morrison explains why we're celebrating Matariki
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Matariki, Aotearoa’s new public holiday, commemorates the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar. But this day is about more tha...
What can be done to lower our shocking road toll?
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Another horrific crash this week has served as a reminder of the dire state of New Zealand’s road toll. Hundreds of people are dying on our roads ev...
Will the lure of higher wages overseas further our healthcare woes?
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s nurses are not happy. They feel overworked, underpaid and frustrated by the lack of support from decision makers. Now, with large of...
What's behind the latest attacks on the LGBT+ community?
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
June is known around the world as Pride Month. A moment of celebration for the LGBT+ community. However, a growing backlash towards queer people i...
Separating the fact from fiction on Fair Pay Agreements
19 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The proposal of Fair Pay Agreements in New Zealand has become a political lightning rod. Opponents are taking out expensive billboards and ads to oppo...
Are live events prepared for a post-Covid world?
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This weekend, Eden Park will host the Blues and the Crusaders for an epic showdown to mark the end of the Super Rugby Pacific tournament. It no...
Why it could take 80 years to de-pollute the Waikato River
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s longest waterway has become a meandering river of filth. The Waikato River is regularly unswimmable and high levels of pollutants ...
Who's in, who's out after the Government's cabinet reshuffle?
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this week unveiled her latest cabinet reshuffle. The changes involving the top Ministers in Government were descri...
The massive trial to make the four-day week a reality
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The balance between work and home life has become more muddied. Technology now means we are required to always be on, stretching the workday even furt...
What's the plan to revive Auckland's struggling CBD?
12 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland's city centre is going through a rough period. Construction, crime and social issues have combined to create an undesirable experience that b...