The Front Page
Episodes
How one hornet species could sting New Zealand’s environment and economy
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bees are tiny but mighty players in New Zealand’s environment and economy. They pollinate our gardens, native plants, and crucial crops, support...
Why Mt Everest deserves respect over self-promotion
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just over seventy years after Sir Edmund Hillary first ascended Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak is grappling with new ethical dilemmas. ...
How KiwiSaver cash ends up backing countries accused of human rights abuses
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A chance for New Zealand to lead change the world in ‘ethical investing’. As of last year, more than half a billion dollars of New Zealand...
Why the debate over fireworks gets louder every year
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s that time of year again, where we debate whether New Zealanders should be allowed to let off fireworks. Fire and Emergency New Zealand is a...
How new biometric privacy rules will change what businesses must disclose
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner has issued new rules around the automated use of biometrics. Biometric processing is the use of tech, like fa...
Behind the scenes at APEC 2025: Golf, fried chicken, and choppers
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our Prime Minister has met and dined with one of the most powerful people in the world - Donald Trump. Christopher Luxon and Trump spoke at an APEC di...
How low vaccination rates left NZ exposed to another measles outbreak
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand may be on the cusp of another measles outbreak. There are ten known cases: One of those cases came from overseas, and the other nine were ...
Is Labour's new policy a watered down capital gains tax?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Labour has announced what some are describing a “watered down” version of a Capital Gains Tax. This targeted CGT would affect profit made ...
New report says politicians should shift drug budget to a health focus
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New research suggests our drug laws are stuck in the 70s – and that Kiwis want to see a more health-based approach to tackling the country&rsquo...
How long will spring’s wild winds keep roaring across the country?
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s been experiencing some wild weather this week. Red wind warnings were issued for much of Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and s...
Public sector mega strike: up to 100,000 health and education workers walk out
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Up to 100-thousand union members across health and education are on strike today. The action prompted Public Service Minister Judith Collins, to pen a...
Can the Louvre’s stolen royal gems ever be recovered?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In seven minutes, thieves entered the Louvre in Paris and made off with eight “priceless” jewels. The necklaces, earrings, brooches, and c...
'Power prices are the real headline': Why 3% inflation feels worse
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation has risen even further. Latest Stats NZ figures show inflation reached 3% in the year to September. Economists had tipped to hit the top end...
Teachers day off: Improving working conditions will improve learning conditions, union says
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week will see mass walk outs across the country as 100,000 teachers and medical staff go on strike. This Thursday, October 23, 11,500 Allied Heal...
Barry Soper remembers Jim Bolger as a 'really good bloke'
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger has died aged 90. He became the 35th Prime Minister after leading National to a landslide victory in 1990. Bolger was...
Inside Gloriavale’s latest investigation into child discipline practice
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New details have emerged about what could be happening behind closed doors at Gloriavale. Authorities have been quietly been involved in yet another i...
Ceasefire deal ends hostage crisis but Gaza’s future uncertain
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Emotional scenes in the Middle East as hostages reunite with their families across Israel. Busloads of Palestinian prisoners have also arrived to larg...
End of Windows 10 support raises security and e‑waste concerns in NZ
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Microsoft is ending its support for the Windows 10 operating system from today. It means computers still running this system might be at risk, given s...
Why people are falling in love with AI chatbots
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence will likely end up touching every aspect of our days – but what about our love lives? It’s a growing trend, with m...
Youth homelessness crisis: Call for national strategy to close support gaps
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today is World Homeless Day – where organisations around the globe shed light on the issue. Right now, more than 2% of New Zealanders are withou...
Local elections: Hundreds of races being won by default
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Local government is how communities democratically decide what happens in their backyards. The park on the corner, what day our bins go out, your neig...
How the Reserve Bank’s next move could shape economic recovery ahead
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank is expected to cut the Official Cash Rate today, but how deeply it will cut remains to be seen. Markets are pricing in the cut as a c...
Inside the inquiry asking if NZ was ready for the deadly Cyclone Gabrielle
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been more than two years since Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods. Nineteen people died. A three-week long inque...
How can NZ stand out in the global fight for AI minds?
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s fight to attract the minds shaping the future in tech could have just gotten a bit harder. China has a new visa which targets youn...
Surging violence, record numbers: What’s driving the prison system 'crisis'
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Corrections Association says New Zealand’s prisons are in ‘crisis’. Last year saw record-breaking numbers of assaults on staff, ...
Trump claims Gaza ceasefire deal within reach, but could it be deja vu?
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump says a Gaza ceasefire is “closer than ever” - but, what’s the reality? The White House has released a plan...
Blind and low vision New Zealanders face rising costs and daily barriers
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are huge inequities facing at least 183,000 New Zealanders, and nothing’s being done about it. New data from Blind Low Vision NZ reveals h...
Overshoot Conference: What breaking 1.5°C means for climate action
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re edging closer to exceeding 1.5°C of warming globally, and scientists will gather to understand the implications of missing our climate...
Abuse in Care survivors face years‑long delays under current redress processes
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Church leaders are continuing to publicly apologise to survivors of abuse. The Presbyterian Church is the latest to address it in two public apology e...
Autism advocates say Trump rhetoric fuels stigma and harms families
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US doctors will soon be advised not to prescribe paracetamol to pregnant women, after President Donald Trump claimed an ‘increased autism risk&r...
Government considers phasing out telco obligations in sector review
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the past month, Kiwis have been able to have their say on proposals to change our telecommunications sector. Minister for Regulation David Seymour...
Inside the showdown between senior doctors and Health NZ over pay
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thousands of senior doctors are on strike until midnight, after walking off the job yesterday. Their long-running pay dispute with Heath New Zealand c...
The pressure grows: Will NZ recognise Palestine this week?
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The clock is ticking for New Zealand to join a throng of other countries recognising the state of Palestine. Britain, Canada, and Australia have all f...
The Kiwi communities left stranded in the news desert
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past decade, New Zealand has seen dozens of community newspapers shut down, newsroom roles cut, and programmes taken off air. A new dis...
Foam-filled furniture: The deadly fuel hiding in your home
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A coroner has issued a damning report after the death of 16-year-old Canterbury teenager Lizzy Marvin — saying she likely died because the gover...
How new zoning plans could change Auckland forever
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Auckland is under pressure to make space for two million homes, and councillors have little choice in the matter. On September 24, the city&rsqu...
Charlie Kirk shooting sparks warnings on online radicalisation risks
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shone a spotlight on political violence in the US, and around the world. The 31-year-old w...
All Blacks' record loss to South Africa sparks questions over future
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The All Blacks have taken a giant step backwards in a 43-10 crushing at the hands of South Africa in Wellington. It’s their worst ever defeat &n...
Pecking order politics: Why Kiwis care so deeply about Bird of the Year
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
International campaigns, a Russian vote-tampering scandal, and an imposter taking the win, there’s one election that New Zealanders have taken v...
Christ Church Cathedral: Inside the long, costly, and bitter fight to restore a city’s broken heart
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a new plan to re-open the Christ Church Cathedral in stages. It’s after the reinstatement of the iconic building came to a standst...
Dezi Freeman manhunt: The risks, reach and rise of the sovereign citizen movement
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Australia, the massive manhunt continues for suspected cop killer Dezi Freeman in rural Victoria. Officers had gone to his remote property in Porep...
Minister for Mafias? Behind the proposal being put before the Government
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government’s being urged to create a new ministerial portfolio to focus on organised crime. It’s the “number one” threat t...
“We know the family, we know the cop”: Mayor speaks of close-knit Marokopa community
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the early hours of Monday morning, a man police were hunting for nearly four years was shot and killed in a stand-off on a rural Waikato road. That...
What China's show of military might means for global power balance
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
China recently rolled out the red carpet to some of the world’s most controversial leaders – in a massive display of military might. It wa...
Costco, then Ikea: What could be the next megastore and why do we care?
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealanders will finally get to experience the labyrinth that is an IKEA store from December 4. The new Sylvia Park site in Auckland is one of the ...
From a schoolyard brawl to murder: Why do innocent people confess?
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Police interviewing techniques have been a controversial topic here and around the globe. There have been countless, high-profile cases where someone ...
Why thousands of NZ nurses are striking this week
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More than 36-thousand Nurses' Organisation members nationwide went on strike yesterday, and they will walk off the job again tomorrow. Health New Zeal...
Why AI chatbots may not be ready to support NZ teens' mental health
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As many as one in five Kiwi youth, aged between 15 and 24, have experienced anxiety or depression at some point in their lives. The 2022/23 New Zealan...
Te Pāti Māori aims to unite, not divide, says co-leader
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is known for unapologetically fighting for the rights of Māori. The co-leader of Te Pati Māori never shies away from speaking ...
20 years after Hurricane Katrina: How NZ can learn from disaster response
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
20 years on, and the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina is still being felt. The category three hurricane made landfall on August 29, 2005 d...
What is North Korea's Kim Jong Un up to? A possible Trump meeting and a bizarre video
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his ‘close relationship’ with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. In a meeting with South Korean Pre...
'Like dwarf-tossing': Concussion experts call for Run It Straight ban
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A group of concussion researchers have likened Run It Straight events to “dwarf tossing”, where organisers turn “real human risk and...
Inside NZ's Police college: A leadership shakeup, target backdown, and new cops 'barely' equipped
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s been a leadership shakeup at the Royal NZ Police college, after a recruit debacle. It’s while a newly released survey of training ...
NZ Customs battles growing illicit tobacco smuggling trend
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The illegal tobacco trade has become a very lucrative business worldwide. In Australia for example, illegal, excise-evading cigarettes now comprise of...
Marsden Point's potential to be 'world-leading' in sustainable aviation fuels
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marsden Point operated as New Zealand’s only oil refinery for nearly 60 years. At its peak in the 80s, it employed around 1700 people – wh...
Tāmaki Makaurau by-election: What you need to know
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The race is on for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election – sparked by the death of Te Pati Maori MP, Takutai Tarsh Kemp. The Māori electorate covers...
NZ debt nears $1 trillion — Is it too late to pay off?
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealanders are well on their way to a collective $1 trillion in debt. At the current rate of growth, we’ll hit that landmark inside the next...
Marama Davidson presses for big system change at Oranga Tamariki
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Since entering Parliament 10 years ago, Mārama Davidson has become a co-leader, been appointed a Minister, and has helped the Greens reach its larges...
Putin already seen as winner in US-Russia summit on peace in Ukraine
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The countdown to the Putin-Trump summit is on. The two leaders are due to meet in Alaska to discuss what peace could look like in Ukraine, more than t...
Kiwi mum in US immigration limbo: What are your rights with ICE?
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A New Zealand citizen and her son have been detained by ICE in the US. Sarah Shaw and her six-year-old son were detained at the Canadian border after ...
Recognising the state of Palestine: What does it actually mean?
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government’s decision on whether it’ll recognise the state of Palestine has been put on hold until next month. It’s despite our ...
‘Legitimate concern’: Should we regulate YouTube’s algorithm?
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Video-sharing website, YouTube, began 20 years ago with a 19 second video of one of its founders at the San Diego Zoo. Now, hundreds of hours of conte...
‘It won’t happen in my lifetime’: Shane Jones on renewable energy goal
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A self-described “Prince of the Provinces” - there are few politicians like Shane Jones. He’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Regi...
Economic worries putting pressure on National as parties lay groundwork for next election
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cost of living and the economy remains top of the agenda for National. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s already touting his leadership as one ...
What the US tariffs mean for our economy - is it time we pivot our trade strategy?
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From tomorrow, there’ll be a 15% tariff on New Zealand imports for US businesses. The announcement of the arbitrary amount saw us frantically se...
Age verification checks online are on the rise - why experts are concerned for our privacy
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The days of simply ticking a box to confirm your age online are over. The UK has become one of the first countries to make it harder for intern...
Vacant lots and empty stores: The dire state of Auckland CBD real estate revealed
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is New Zealand’s largest city dying? Auckland is home to roughly a third of the entire country’s population and is predicted to grow even ...
Solving the climate crisis - Are more trees actually the answer?
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government is likely to pass a law banning farm-to-forest conversions to protect productive farmland for food production. It’ll mean a...
The changing face of gangs and organised crime - are the Govt's policies working?
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are more than 9,000 gang members in New Zealand, and thousands more associates. The coalition government from the get-go promised a crackdown on...
From drugs to weapons, illicit items are for sale on social media
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You might look on Facebook marketplace for a new couch, a lamp, a rug. But, what about class A drugs? Or how about a ghost gun? A Herald investigation...
Contactless payment charges banned - are there more bank fees the Government could get rid of?
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all been caught out when using PayWave or contactless payment in stores, where we think we know how much we’re paying and then a sur...
How do we fix New Zealand's 'broken' energy sector?
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s energy sector is broken. That’s according to an open letter calling for the Government to do more to keep our power prices d...
Chris Hipkins on Labour's policies, coalition attacks, MMP and Covid regrets
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From entering Parliament in 2008 – to leading the country in 2023 – Chris Hipkins is no stranger to the spotlight. During Covid’s be...
Why schools are moving away from NCEA and are the alternatives any better?
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement – or NCEA – has been New Zealand’s main secondary school qualification for more ...
How Sky's $1 acquisition of Three could reshape NZ television
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another 1-dollar deal, another big shakeup for the New Zealand media industry. Sky TV has snapped up broadcast network Three and its associated platfo...
After viral kiss cam moment - have we lost the right to anonymity in the viral age?
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The rapidly evolving world of scams in NZ: Are we getting on top of the crisis?
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Scams have always been a hot topic. As technology gets more sophisticated, Kiwis of all ages are becoming more vulnerable to falling for them. Estimat...
Minister James Meager on South Island's importance, select committees, youth, and future ambitions
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tw...
Is the era of home buyouts after natural disasters over - and what will that mean for insurance?
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could the Government be taking a step back from helping homeowners after the elements make their homes unliveable? Recent extreme weather events have ...
The Epstein Files: What's behind the latest US political controversy?
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly six years after disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein died in prison, he has once again become the centre of political controver...
What the latest research says about Auckland's volcanic field: How imminent is the next eruption?
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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&...
Trump tariff deadline changes again: Will they finally arrive and what does it mean for NZ?
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ag...
Chlöe Swarbrick on the Green's economic plans and why NZ should consider a tax on the ultra-rich
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Understanding social unity in NZ as Covid-19 hearings air lockdown grievances
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
From giant Buddhas to helipads: How do councils decide what to approve - and does complaining change their minds?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not In My Back Yard. For decades, that has been a battle cry for suburbanites and homeowners unimpressed by changes happening in their neighbourhood. ...
Antisemitism is rising worldwide - what can NZ do to combat it?
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 syn...
Severe weather is damaging our towns - how do we adapt, and is moving communities on the cards?
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand has seen plenty of severe weather in recent years. Stories about towns flooding when hit with heavy rainfall have become commonplace. Just...
Crime, cost of living and supermarkets continue to dominate NZ politics
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cost of living, crime and supermarkets remain a source of concern for the Government. The coalition has released its latest quarterly action plan &nda...
Inside the housing market: What you need to know about rates, CVs, and house prices
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rates have increased across the country this week, with some cities better off than others. Auckland Council has confirmed a 5.8 percent average resid...
Why council, locals and players are once again clashing over an Auckland golf course
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the last decade, as New Zealand has grappled with a housing crisis, golf courses have become a lightning rod for controversy. Auckland Council al...
Online exploitation cases on the rise - here's how and why predators are targeting Kiwi kids
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A warning that today’s episode contains content that listeners might find disturbing. You can find support links below. New Zealand ...
Why a rape complainant who later had relationship with cop has gone public with her story
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. A...
How potential Lotto changes could affect your chances of winning
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 kee...
From healthy homes to golden visas: How July 1 changes could affect you
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. No...
Inside the controversy surrounding Police recruitment as deadline for new officers nears
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An investigation by the NZ Herald has revealed concerns with police recruitment. Over the last several months, we've learnt that prospective cops who ...
Helen Clark on Israel-Iran tensions: ‘Nothing learned’ from Iraq war and how we can get lasting peace
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, Trum...
What's next for Iran after US bombs the country's nuclear sites?
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a move called Operation Midnight Hammer, the US has attacked several key nuclear facilities in Iran. The strikes mark a significant escalation in t...
The realities of global manufacturing - and why iPhones will never get made in the US
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
A celebrtion of unity: The importance of Matariki this year
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Why Auckland fires reveal urgent need for more firefighting resources
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A major blaze at an Auckland supermarket this week has once again highlighted the incredible work of our firefighters. More than 20 appliances and ove...