The Front Page

New tourism push invites 'digital nomads' to NZ - but at what cost to locals?

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Government wants to see tourism numbers increase as part of its economic growth push. As part of that push, the existing visitor visa scheme will ...

Will the Government’s new mining strategy deliver more than coal and gold?

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mining has become a key part of the Government’s plans for economic growth. Resources Minister – and self-appointed ‘Matua of Mining...

Why economic growth has become the Government's focus

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If the theme of 2024 was ‘cutting back’, then 2025 is all about ‘growth’. The word appears 31 times in Prime Minister Christop...

What's next for AI and crypto after China's DeepSeek shakes up tech industry

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Silicon Valley’s been rattled by a low-cost Chinese AI – with the startup claiming their DeepSeek technology can emulate the performance o...

Education shakeup: New curriculum, charter schools and lunches amongst changes taking effect

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Students across the country are starting to head back to school, and there are some big changes coming from our youngest pupils. As well as 2025 marki...

Facebook whistleblower: Why tech giants are are curbing moderation and siding with Trump

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Meta – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – has implemented some changes across its organisation since Donald Trump’s elec...

DuVal, Ikea and construction woes: The property stories to watch in 2025

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From the ongoing downfall of high-flying developers to promises of Swedish meatballs - this year is set to be one to watch when it comes to property n...

The Kiwi-made tech tackling retail crime: Can you opt out of being tracked?

26 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Security software used widely by retail staff is in the spotlight after an incident involving a former Green MP. Golriz Ghahraman quit politics last y...

Inflation, growth and tariffs: How will the economy perform in 2025?

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's economic outlook for 2025 is expected to be a recovery from the previous two years of weakness. With inflation stagnant and the number o...

The year ahead in politics: Parliament predictions and local government elections

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The political year is ready to kick off. While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon may have got an early start with his Cabinet reshuffle, over the next ...

Gaza ceasefire to Greenland purchase: What are Trump's foreign policy plans?

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After 15 months and the deaths of around 47,000 Palestinians, the war between Israel and Hamas has ended – for now. A six-week ceasefire has beg...

What the latest Cabinet reshuffle means for the Government's priorities

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has kicked off the political year with the first major reshuffle of his Cabinet. Dr Shane Reti has lost Health to Sim...

Donald Trump's inauguration: What are his top priorities for his return to the White House?

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. After four years out of office after losing in 2020, Trump is set to...

Why thousands of townhouses are overheating this summer

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever get the feeling New Zealand just doesn’t know how to build houses properly? We had the leaky homes crisis – where timber-frame...

Why voters worldwide are ditching incumbents and shifting to the right

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this month, Justin Trudeau resigned as Canada’s Prime Minister, marking the end of his nine years in office. Trudeau was also one of the...

Protecting our police: Should NZ frontline officers carry guns?

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Growing concern about public safety has reignited the idea of arming our frontline police officers. The police union says 68% of officers support rout...

On the ground as fires burn through LA: What lessons can NZ take from this disaster?

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Destructive. Devastating. Apocalyptic. That’s how the wildfires burning across Los Angeles over the last week have been described. The blazes ha...

Billionaire to political influencer: Is Elon Musk now the most powerful person in the world?

12 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Billionaire Elon Musk is not content with just having the ear of US President elect Donald Trump. Over the past few weeks, the world’s richest m...

Chris vs Christopher: What our two main party leaders told The Front Page in 2024

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

How Trump's election caused '4B Movement' to gain ground on social media

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

25 years since Columbine: Victim's father warns NZ over gun law changes

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

Gloriavale's past, present and future explored in documentary series

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

Boeing's safety controversy: Aeronautics expert dissects the airline's problems

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

What the latest research shares about earthquakes and tsunamis in NZ

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

NZ Herald Presents: Chasing Ghosts - The Puppeteer

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is taking its summer break, we will be shining a spotlight on some of the biggest podcasts from the New Zealand Herald network ov...

Revisiting the Hope-Smart murders as Scott Watson awaits appeal decision

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

As Kiwis leave in record numbers, is the grass really greener in the UK and Australia?

29 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

40 years since David Lange became Prime Minister: What is his legacy?

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

Why are we still talking about the Bain family 30 years on from their deaths?

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

NZ Herald Presents: Heavens Helpline

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is taking its summer break, we will be shining a spotlight on some of the biggest podcasts from the New Zealand Herald network ov...

Extreme turbulence and technical issues: What to do when your flight takes a turn

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While The Front Page is on summer break, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcast in...

Sorting your will: How to avoid a battle over inheritance

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While we’re on our summer break, The Front Page is taking a look back at some of the biggest news stories and top-rated episodes from the podcas...

Policy priorities, a council in ‘shambles’, and a historic hīkoi: The year in NZ politics

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The year in politics has been a bumpy road for many. The coalition Government dived in quickly to reverse previous Labour policy, and pushed numerous ...

The sporting highlights from the year: Which Kiwi athletes ended the year on top?

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been a huge year for sport here in New Zealand. In one weekend in October, Team New Zealand took to the water in Barcelona and took home th...

From inflation to closures to job cuts: The challenges facing New Zealand’s economy

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The economy has been in an uncertain place for quite some time, and 2024 was no different. Over the last year, we’ve seen some improvement. In O...

Elections, conflicts, and crime - what happened around the world this year?

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While 2024 has been a big year of news in New Zealand, there’s been plenty happening around the world over the last 12 months. From wars and con...

Gangs, fraud and young offenders: Inside the biggest crime stories of 2024

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Law and order is always a hot topic of debate amongst politicians. The coalition government was elected in part on the back of years of ram raids and ...

2024 in review: From Luxon to Trump, economic upheavals to growing division

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While 2024 may not have brought the shocks of cyclones, Prime Ministerial resignations or election campaigns, there’s a lot to digest from the l...

'Bumbling Jihadi' Mark John Taylor charged under Terrorism Suppression Act

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A terrorism charge has been laid against a New Zealander who allegedly travelled overseas to join Islamic State a decade ago.  Mark John Taylor, ...

Christopher Luxon talks economy, Māori relations, Hipkins, and 'corporate speak'

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Luxon believes his so-called ‘coalition of chaos’ has defied the critics. The Prime Minister is spending the remainder of 2024...

Infrastructure woes: New concerns for City Rail Link as decision expected for Cook Strait ferries

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Communities around the country are waiting with bated breath for news about major infrastructure projects – ones that are set to cost a lot of m...

Decades of dictatorship in Syria end after rebels take the capital - but what comes next?

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After decades years of tyrannical rule, and 13 years of civil war, the Assad regime in Syria has fallen. After rebels rapidly closed in on the capital...

DoC reset on the cards: How revenue raising plans could impact your next tramp

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the coming weeks, many Kiwis will be heading to our national parks and great walks for their summer holidays. But if you're doing so for a cheap ...

Strippers and sex workers seek fairer treatment as Fair Trading Act review looms

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When strippers arrive at work and don’t know how much money they’re taking home at the end of the shift. Their employer might decide to take a hig...

From online deliveries to RTDs: Do we need more laws around alcohol?

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are continued calls to tighten alcohol laws in New Zealand. The growing trend of online deliveries has made advocates worried, with a study find...

Summer weather: New Zealand warned to brace for hot, dry months ahead

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s summer is shaping up to be hotter and drier than average. The country’s forecast has shrugged off the rainy start to summer with tem...

Chris Hipkins on Labour's future, taxes, and whether Luxon’s a good PM

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has told the party it must change if it wants to re-gain the trust it's lost. The party held its annual conference i...

Could changes to ADHD meds be a game-changer or a risk?

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pharmac is now funding a new medicine and has removed renewal criteria for ADHD treatments.  Advocates are welcoming the move – saying it’s a gam...

Black Friday deals: Are we really getting bang for our buck?

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Black Friday and many Kiwi shoppers have already begun the hunt for some great deals. While some retailers promise big discounts – sometimes,...

OCR cut signals an improving economy - but are we still in the danger zone?

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The official cash rate has been cut by 50 basis points, bringing it down to 4.25 percent. This marks the third consecutive cut to the OCR since August...

One year of the coalition government: the highs, lows and long road ahead

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today marks a year since the coalition government of National, Act and New Zealand First took office. The coalition hit the ground running, by reversi...

Is New Zealand doing enough to tackle climate change?

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Climate change conference COP29 has wrapped up with a significant but controversial final agreement. Negotiations came down to the wire over a US$1.3 ...

New research highlights NZ's obesity crisis - is it time for more government intervention?

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New research shows a third of New Zealand adults are obese – and policies focused on individual responsibility are failing. A Helen Clark Foundation...

Minister Shane Jones on regional development, oil and gas, and climate concerns

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Regional development has been a major focus of the coalition government. The Fast Track Bill, the return of oil and gas exploration and the Regional ...

New anti-gang laws come into effect - but will they actually work?

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Government’s promised the “free ride” for gangs, is officially over. From today, gang patches will no longer be allowed to be worn in public...

1,000 days of the war in Ukraine: Will a Trump presidency bring it to an end?

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The war in Ukraine has hit the one-thousand-day mark. On February 24, 2022 – Russia invaded Ukraine – since then, hundreds of thousands of people ...

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer talks hīkoi, Treaty bill, and 'betrayal' by National

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The hikoi that started in Cape Reinga and has made its way down the country arrives in Wellington today. While many have taken part in various stages ...

Olivia Podmore: Coronial inquest begins three years after Olympian's sudden death

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On August 9 2021, the day after the Tokyo Olympics ended, cyclist Olivia Podmore died in a suspected suicide. Podmore had represented New Zealand in t...

What is the 4B movement that is seeing US women swear off men post-Trump?

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People respond to election losses in various ways, from protesting to legal action to considering moving country. But, what about adopting a vow of ce...

Treaty Principles Bill: The controversial bill arrives in Parliament as protests continue

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to Parliament last week – with its first reading debate scheduled for today. The bill has sp...

Can Trump fix America's economic problems - or are they bigger than one politician?

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As votes continue to be counted in the US, President-elect Donald Trump has swept all seven battleground states, confirming his dominant performance i...

Gen Z in the workplace: Are they asking for too much or setting a new standard?

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gen Z can be credited with a few things – an uptick in climate awareness, the ability to work any kind of technology, and the revival of straight le...

‘Shrinkflation’ is becoming more common - but, what is it?

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like you’re getting less bang for your buck at the supermarket? Well you might be right. As production costs rise, many companies have bee...

What a Trump win means for NZ: ‘The devil will be in the detail’

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Donald J. Trump will become the 47th President of the United States of America. Democrat Kamala Harris called the former president to congratulate him...

Ultra-fast fashion: who is really paying the price?

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The rise and rise of online retailers has hit an all-time high – with the likes of Temu and Shein dominating consumption worldwide. New research has...

An assassination attempt, fiery debates, and felony crime: the lead up to the 2024 US Presidential Election

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the one story that’s been impossible to escape this year – the US Presidential election. Months of debates, rallies, and shocking developme...

Guy Fawkes: Is it finally time to ban fireworks for public sale and use?

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Remember remember the fifth of November...  It’s Guy Fawkes, which means a sleepless night for some of our furry friends.   For more than 400 year...

The 100 best NZ suburbs revealed - does yours make the list?

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If there’s one topic Kiwis never get tired of talking about, it’s houses. It’s the biggest purchase most people will ever make in their lives, s...

Polkinghorne sentenced for meth charges - what's happened since his trial?

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was a murder trial that gripped New Zealand, and the world. Pauline Hanna was found dead in a Remuera home she shared with her husband, Philip Polk...

New Zealand’s hunt for overseas doctors amps up today - but will it be enough?

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand’s hunt to poach overseas doctors gets another tool in the toolbox today. From now, medical graduates from the UK, Ireland and Australia ...

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown on crime, transport - and if he will run again

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland’s Mayor Wayne Brown has never shied away from telling us exactly what he thinks. He’s waged war on council-controlled organisations, like...

Black Caps’ history-making win can only mean big things for cricket’s future in NZ

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

India has suffered its first series defeat at home since 2012 – at the hands of none other than New Zealand. The 2-0 defeat came when India was bowl...

The hidden cost of sending your DNA in to ancestry websites

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sending your DNA in to a website to find out your background has become a trendy thing to do.  But, is there a hidden cost to this?   DNA testing c...

The Puppeteer: How one NZ woman catfished dozens of victims over 20 years

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In 2011, NZ Herald journalist David Fisher became aware that a woman had been caught catfishing dozens of teenage boys and young men across New Zealan...

From Tana to Bayly: Inside the latest political scandals and war of words

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It seems that when one political scandal ends, another one rises to take its place.  This week, the Green Party ended the saga that has dominated 202...

Is central government sending the right message to local councils?

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, we reported on the issues at Wellington City Council after councillors voted against selling airport shares, forcing a rethink of the counc...

Rooftop protest sparks debate about youth justice and treatment of young offenders

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

13 youths climbed atop a youth justice facility in South Auckland on Monday night – demanding fast food, cigarettes, and a getaway car. The group ma...

Celebrity culture, gossip sites in the spotlight after Liam Payne's death

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Us mere mortals often idolise celebrities – their glitzy and glamorous lifestyles have had audiences captivated for decades. But at what point does ...

Assisted dying in NZ: How well has the three-year-old legislation worked?

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Back in 2020, New Zealanders voted in favour of legalising assisted dying in certain circumstances. That law was passed in 2021, and next month, a thr...

Is it time NZ became a Republic? Royal tour reignites debate over monarchy's future down under

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should or shouldn’t New Zealand become a republic? It’s a quandary that’s sparked fierce debate over decades, and it’s back on the agenda as K...

Auckland FC and Liam Lawson highlight the changing face of NZ sport

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the next week, two big sporting gambles years in the making are about to have their payoff.  On Saturday, Auckland FC – our newest A-League fo...

Government considering Wellington City Council intervention: Is it really a 'shambles'?

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has set its sights on sorting out Wellington City Council.  After councillors last week voted against a plan to sell shares in Welling...

How is the coalition Government performing, one year after being elected?

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks one year since the 2023 election.  That election saw Labour’s historic majority cut in half, and started weeks of negotiations betw...

Inside the Government's plan for boot camps: Will this new iteration actually work?

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Government will introduce legislation later this year to create the Young Serious Offender category and empower Youth Court judges to send them to...

OCR cuts a bright spot but economic outlook mixed for the rest of the year

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Official Cash Rate’s been cut to 4.75 percent – which is being touted as welcome news for households all over New Zealand. It’s the lowest ...

Entrust election begins: Why you should care about the election few vote in

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A local election begins today in Auckland, though you're probably not even aware. 364,000 Auckland households and businesses can vote this month for t...

Out of zone students set to miss out as Auckland schools struggle with growing rolls

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As Auckland’s population continues to grow, so too are the city’s schools – and many of them are running out of space. Analysis by the Herald ha...

HMNZS Manawanui sinking: What impact will this have on our defence fleet?

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A search for answers is underway after HM-NZS Manawanui ran aground and sank near Samoa.  The $100 million ship left Auckland’s Devonport just over...

One year since October 7 attacks: What can be done to end Gaza's humanitarian crisis?

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been a year since terrorist group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel – sparking the deadliest conflict in the Gaza region for decades...

Chris Bishop on the Government's plans for tackling our infrastructure crisis

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Infrastructure is top of the agenda for the Government for the last months of 2024. The Prime Minister this week released his Q4 action plan, with ple...

Mood of the Boardroom: The surprising policies business leaders want to see from the Government

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Mood of the Boardroom is back today for its 22nd year. The annual survey of the country’s top CEOs and business leaders has seen a broad tick of...

Israel launches operations in Lebanon - What's behind the escalation?

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tensions in the Middle East are ramping up at an alarming rate. Israel’s Defence Forces have said it has begun a "targeted" ground operation into so...

Is Oranga Tamariki fit for purpose - and how can we better protect our children?

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Violence towards children is one of the most concerning issues in New Zealand.   It’s an issue that debates decades, back when Child, Youth and Fa...

Major businesses are closing in provincial NZ: How can we save our small towns?

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Provincial New Zealand is hurting.   Alliance Group last week confirmed plans to close its Timaru meat processing plant in Smithfield, with the loss...

WFH orders and mayoral gaffes: Is there a solution to Wellington's woes?

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Public servants – or what’s left of them – have been ordered back to the office in Wellington.  The Government’s call has been welcomed by ce...

What Andrew Coster's departure means for Government's policing plans

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced this week - he is ending his term early, to take up a new role as the head of the Social Investment Agency...

Mānawa Bay opening highlights Auckland Airport's growth plans, tensions with airlines

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, a brand-new outlet mall opened in Auckland... right next to the International Airport. Mānawa Bay is a new 200-million-dollar mall on the ...

Economist predicts 'net zero' migration: What does that mean for New Zealanders

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is a country of immigrants, with tens of thousands of people moving here each year. We’re also a country of travellers, and those new ar...

Philip Polkinghorne found not guilty of the murder of Pauline Hanna

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After eight weeks at the High Court in Auckland, on the first day of the ninth week, the jury has found Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of the murder o...

Financial fraud in NZ: Inside the huge cost of white collar crime

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For the last few years, our headlines have been dominated by talk of ram raids, robberies, and gang members misbehaving.  Those stories have fed thro...