The Front Page
Episodes
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...
Early Childhood Education: Are calls to cut regulations really what the sector needs?
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are halfway through the year, but there have already been a number of confronting headlines about early childhood education providers in 2025. ...
Israel-Iran strikes: What's sparked the latest conflict and what does it mean for the Middle East?
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 again...
Mother calls for tougher boy racers laws, 12 years after daughter's death in street race
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, th...
Lachie Jones: Coroner orders new investigation in toddler's death
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Six years after Gore toddler Lachie Jones was found dead in a Gore oxidation pond, the coroner has handed down his findings. And coroner A...
‘Democracy under assault’: How Trump’s ICE crackdown is sparking nationwide unrest
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve turned on an American news channel in the last week, you would’ve seen wall to wall coverage of protests spreading across the co...
NZ sanctions Israeli ministers as Gaza humanitarian crisis worsens: Should we be doing more?
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More than 600 days of war and an 11-week blockade of all aid has pushed those living in Gaza into a deeper crisis. Israel imposed a full humanitarian ...
Deepfake porn and covert recordings - is NZ law keeping up with technology?
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is New Zealand’s legal system moving fast enough to adapt to new technologies? It’s a question being asked by some of our top academics an...
Survey shows Kiwis want harsher penalties for drunk drivers - so what more can be done to keep our roads safe?
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every few weeks, it seems that we are reporting on a recidivist drink driver who is once again going through the court system due to their behaviour. ...
Scandal in the PM's office and the chaos of Te Pāti Māori’s suspensions - the latest in NZ politics
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The divided nature of our politics has been spotlighted once again. A fiery debate has seen Te Pati Maori’s leaders suspended for Parliament in ...
Ferries, roads and rail: What are the Government's latest transport priorities?
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It has been revealed that the Government considered using private company Bluebridge to replace the current Interislander fleet. It’s just the l...
Experts push back against WorkSafe reforms - as research warns of potential for a Pike River repeat
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new study suggests that another Pike River mine disaster is likely. The Victoria University of Wellington researchers say the failures that lead to ...
Winter weather: Why the next few months will be wetter, warmer despite looming cold snaps
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A warmer winter is coming, meaning we might not need our heaters as much as we usually would. However, these conditions won’t be great for those...
From Labubu dolls to box office records: What the latest pop culture trends say about us
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The world of pop culture fandom was once on the fringes of society – comic books, anime and sci-fi movies have historically been seen as the rea...
How the Royals are coping after a year of health issues and ongoing tensions
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2024 was a difficult year for the Royal Family, with King Charles and the Princess of Wales both going public with cancer diagnoses, which required le...
David Seymour talks Opposition, regulation and backlash as he becomes Deputy Prime Minister
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Act Party leader David Seymour will become New Zealand’s deputy prime minister tomorrow, taking over from Winston Peters. He will be the 19th pe...
OCR cut again as global uncertainty continues - so what's the outlook for our economy?
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate 25-basis-points -- to 3.25 percent. That's the lowest it's been since August 2022 – though there...
Tradie issues and cost of builds revealed as new data shines light on building sector
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all got an anecdote or a story about a tradie who did us dirty, or an issue with a new build. Well, now we’ve got some actual eviden...
Emergency department wait times hit critical mass: Is there an easy solution?
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’ll come as no surprise when I say our emergency departments are suffering. It’s a tale that’s haunted consecutive governments and...
'De-extinction': Scientists are investing in Jurassic Park-like tech - but is it ethical?
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new Jurassic World movie is right around the corner, taking us back to the world where dinosaurs have been brought back from the dead. But what has ...
Growth or austerity? Unpacking Budget 2025 and what it means for you
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The coalition Government has unveiled its second Budget. Over 20 billion dollars in savings has been found over the next four years, more than half fr...
Budget 2025: What you need to know
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Officially dubbed the “Growth Budget” - unofficially, the “no BS Budget” - Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled where N...
The new challenges hitting NZ's education sector - from AI in exams to rising mental health concerns
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Society is always under pressure to keep up – given the world around us is in a constant state of change. Our education sector is no different. ...
Who is Jevon McSkimming and why has the former deputy Police Commissioner quit his job?
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Only a few weeks after he had reportedly been in contention for the country’s top police job, deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming was su...
How dictators fall: Inside the vulnerabilities of tyrannical regimes and how people fight back
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Adolf Hitler. Joseph Stalin. Benito Mussolini. Pol Pot. Saddam Hussein. Apart from being some of the most famous dictators in human history, they all ...
C-bombs, consequences and ‘chaos’: Unpacking an ‘unprecedented’ week of politics
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s Parliament is a ‘house of chaos’. At least that’s how our own deputy Prime Minister has described the debating c...
A.C. Grayling on culture wars and the age-old cycle of ‘cancellation’
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The ‘war on wokeness’ may feel like a new phenomenon, but in fact, it’s been around for centuries. People have been ‘cancelled...
How fair is it for countries to blame immigration for their issues?
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve looked at headlines around the world lately, you’d be forgiven for thinking that immigration is the root of all our problems. Pe...
Measles case sparks outbreak fears - how worried should we be?
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s on high alert – after an Auckland ferry worker tested positive for measles. They were infectious while on board a number of ...
Ceasefire called in India-Pakistan tension - How long will it last?
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a week of tensions, India and Pakistan have reached a ceasefire deal. Tensions over the disputed territory of Kashmir were reignited after a mas...
Gangs to tradies - How big is our 'informal economy' and how much tax are we missing out on?
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government is set to cut billions of dollars from spending at the upcoming budget as a cost-saving measure in these tight financial conditions. Bu...
Is a social media ban the right move to protect our youth?
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The National Party is looking to follow Australia and ban social media for under-16s. It has submitted a members bill that would look to limit how you...
As Skype shuts down, who decides what tech is on top?
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 22 years, video calling platform Skype is shutting down. After its inception, to ‘skype’ became a verb – and it was the go-to ...
Auckland's 'Super City' turning 15 - but how super is it really?
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year marks 15 years since the birth of Auckland’s Super City. The controversial idea to merge eight regional and district councils into one...
Why Trump 2.0‘s first 100 days in office are drawing global concern
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump has made it through his 100 days back in office – and people are not thrilled with his performance. His approval ratings at the 100...
Sexual violence in NZ: What more can be done to help victims?
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week is Rape Awareness Week in New Zealand. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experience sexual violence at some stage in their lifetime. Repeated surv...
Will a new mayor be able to sort out Wellington's issues?
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wellington City will have a new mayor by the end of this year. After previously committing to run for a second term, mayor Tory Whanau has pulled out ...
Budget 2025: Government to reduce spending by "billions" - so what could be cut?
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This month, the Government will deliver its second budget, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis is starting to tease what exactly we could see from it. ...
What you need to know about the Australian election and its impact on Kiwis
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Australian federal election is heating up. Anthony Albanese is facing the challenge of becoming the first PM to be re-elected since John Howard. H...
Are the Government's policies having an impact on violent crime?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crime is a constant hot topic of debate in New Zealand – one that is rarely far from the front pages. The recent alleged murder of University of...
NZ First bill, UK court ruling revamps debate on sex and gender in NZ
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The battle over gender and definitions is building steam in New Zealand. New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that “would ensu...
Mary Holm shares her top tips for making the most out of KiwiSaver
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Front Page podcast is taking the day off as the country marks Anzac Day. Instead, we're presenting an episode of The Prosperity Project, the Heral...
Increasing budgets and changes for veterans: Inside NZ's defence shakeup
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On April 25th, 110 years ago, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli. About 8,700 Australians and 2,700 Kiwis wou...
Pope Francis: Unpacking his legacy as cardinals prepare to select his successor
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced he died of a stroke at his Santa Maria residence – almost a month after a fi...
What is the Two by Twos, the secretive sect linked to a National MP?
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand Police are assisting the FBI in an investigation into a secretive religious group, which has operations worldwide. It’s a fringe, Ch...
Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal: How misconduct is handled in teaching
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are a number of employment dispute avenues in New Zealand, dependent on what industry you’re in. If you’re one of the 114,000 regist...
NZH Presents: Mr Asia - A Forgotten History
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For much of the 1970s, Marty Johnstone operated as one of New Zealand’s most notorious drug dealers. Dubbed ‘Mr Asia’ by journalists...
Speed limits and drive license rethinks: The Government's changes to how we drive
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government is keen on making it easier to get more drivers on the road. If proposed changes announced this week go through, the second practical d...
Tropical Cyclone Tam: What you need to know
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The severe storm barrelling towards the upper North Island has been upgraded to a tropical cyclone. The Fiji Meteorological Service has named the stor...
The challenges and opportunities facing the NZ fashion industry
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand fashion has had a shake-up in recent years – with both well-known and home-grown brands shutting up shop. Kate Sylvester will shut t...
New documentary puts Pauline Hanna and Philip Polkinghorne back in the spotlight
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pauline Hanna on a boat, sea breeze, big smiles. It’s the image filmmakers of a new three-part documentary into her death, and subsequent murder...
How AI’s latest advancements are already reshaping creative professions
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence has been the hot topic of debate in the business world for the last few years. But increasingly, it’s an area that is en...
What's next for Govt after Treaty bill voted down - and can Labour overcome Green, Te Pati Māori controversies?
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Politics is rarely quiet in New Zealand, but we’ve seen plenty of upheaval in the last few weeks. Notably, after over a year of protests and tho...
Trump pauses tariffs for some countries as he ramps up China trade war
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A week after announcing his Liberation Day tariffs and causing global market chaos, US President Donald Trump has done a 180. He has announced on soci...
Why single people face a higher cost of living in NZ
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cost of living has hit many families around the country hard – but what about the singles out there? From booking holidays to having a roof over...
Politicians raise security concerns as new research shines light on abuse faced by female MPs
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s no doubt about it, being a parliamentarian is a public facing, high-stress, demanding job. You’re exposed, scrutinised, and your d...
Trump’s tariffs cause economic turmoil: What do they mean for NZ?
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump’s Liberation Day has felt more like a bloodbath for the world economy. The US President last week announced what he called reciproc...
On the Up: How can we find the positives in an increasingly negative world?
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The world can feel like a dark and gloomy place at times, particularly at the moment. With wars, economic uncertainty and certain politicians always g...
Recent successes for NZ film industry comes as rising costs challenges the industry
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You meet anyone overseas and say New Zealand, the first thing they bring up is hobbits. Lord of the Rings was a crowning achievement for film producti...
GPs are the 'backbone of the health system' - so why are so many of them struggling?
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our primary healthcare system stands at a critical juncture - at least, that’s the latest from the New Zealand Initiative. The think tank has re...
Greens and NZ First clash sparks fears of ‘dirty campaign’ for election
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A war of words has erupted between the Green Party and NZ First this week. It comes after photos circulated on social from a private Instagram account...
Stadium wars set to continue - but which venue is really the best for Auckland?
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The so-called ‘stadium wars’ in Auckland have been raging quietly behind the scenes for several years now. But last week, the battle...
How does the Human Rights Review Tribunal work - is it delivering justice for Kiwis?
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In New Zealand, there are a number of tribunals and review boards you can go to when you feel things haven’t quite gone your way. Whether ...
What April 1 cash boosts and power bill increases mean for your wallet
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The financial year is coming to an end, and that means from next Tuesday, a lot of Kiwis will be getting more money in their wallets. April 1st is whe...
How New Zealand’s top iwi have grown assets to $8.2b
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New figures have revealed the assets of our ten biggest iwi stands at $8.2 billion. A recent report from consultancy firm TDB Advisory shows the asset...
What the All Whites' World Cup qualification means for NZ football
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Since 1930, across 22 editions of the Fifa Mens World Cup, only two New Zealand teams have featured on the biggest football stage, in 1982 and 2010. N...