The Front Page
Episodes
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...
When a six figure salary isn't enough: Why more Kiwis are struggling financially
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The pressure of the cost-of-living crunch has been felt by most of us for a few years now. Many of us hope that the more we earn, the less we have to ...
Inside the defence's closing statement: What they say happened to Pauline Hanna
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Week Eight has the Crown and Defence issuing their closing statements. The Crown alleges that Philip Polkinghorne killed his wife, Pauline Hanna, on A...
Calls for action to tackle growing problem of feral and roaming dogs
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feral or roaming dogs have been causing concern in remote parts of New Zealand for years. But now things are getting so bad, trampers are being told...
Inside the Crown's closing statement: What they say happened to Pauline Hanna
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Week Eight has the Crown and Defence issuing their closing statements. First is the Crown, with Crown Prosecutor Alysha McClintock delivering it to th...
The factors contributing to New Zealand's education crisis
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s once world-leading education system is in a sorry state. Huge numbers of Kiwi kids are failing in key areas – with 4 out of 5 Year 8...
How can Auckland solve its harbour crossing debate?
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A replacement bridge, or a second one – or how about a tunnel instead? The ongoing debate about a new harbour crossing in Auckland has reignited, ...
Days 30 - 31: Final witnesses take the stand after seven weeks of testimony
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After seven weeks and over 80 witnesses, we have finished hearing evidence in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne. The former Auckland eye surgeon is ...
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori: Will Government policies have an impact on the language's revitalisation?
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Māori Language Week – where Kiwis are encouraged to have a go at te reo. Whereas the language was once on a pathway to extinction, now it’...
The latest trends coming to your workplace - and why some bosses are pushing back
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s estimated we spend a third of our life at work – with the average worker clocking a staggering 90,000 hours in employment over a lifetime. Co...
Days 27 - 29: Email highlights Hanna's work stress as witnesses weigh in on her mental health
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Originally due to run for six weeks, the trial of Philip Polkinghorne is now in its seventh week. The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of mu...
Wealth or Capital Gains? What taxes should New Zealand be looking at
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We may be two years away from our next general election, but the possibility of more tax is already being debated. Labour is starting to warm the pu...
Construction industry woes set to continue as sector faces mental health crisis
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The construction industry in New Zealand is struggling – with building companies going to the wall as the housing market falls away. It also has one...
Pressure on All Blacks and Scott Robertson after rough start to new coaching era
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Robertson is the most successful coach in Super Rugby history - leading the Crusaders to seven-back-to-back titles. He is also a firm favourit...
New controversies put X's problems back in the spotlight
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The struggles facing social media platform X are back in the spotlight. In amongst an advertising exodus and concerns over owner Elon Musk’s takes...
The biggest winners and losers from the Government's transport plans
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has announced a record 32.9-billion-dollar investment in New Zealand’s transport network over the next three years, through the Natio...
Days 24 - 26: Witnesses reveal a different side of Polkinghorne as defence argues its case
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Week six of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne continued with the defence’s case. The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife,...
Kīngi Tūheitia remembered as thousands gather for his funeral
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, Kīngi Tūheitia the seventh Maori monarch, passed away aged 69, a little over a week after marking 18 years of his reign. His shock dea...
Is cost-cutting the best way to fix the problems with our healthcare system?
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Several weeks ago, the Government dramatically moved to take control of Health New Zealand by appointing Professor Lester Levy as a commissioner. He h...
Sir Peter Jackson's property portfolio grows - but what are his plans for Wellington?
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The year’s biggest land deal has Wellington aflutter with rumours Sir Peter Jackson could be building his long-awaited movie museum. Interests assoc...
How wild will our spring weather be - and is La Nina still coming our way?
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Winter has come to an end, and it's been a wet last few weeks. A burst of rain in August culminated in flooding in Wellington and saturated days for t...
Days 22 and 23: Defence opens their case with Pauline Hanna's sister
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After nearly five weeks of witnesses, The Crown has closed its case in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne. The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused ...
50 years since the death of Norman Kirk: His life, his legacy - and the 'what ifs'
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Norman Kirk was elected Prime Minister in 1972, bringing the Labour Party back to power after 12 years of National Party rule. His two years in office...
New Zealand's energy crisis: Why are power prices soaring?
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back in May on The Front Page, in the wake of warnings about overuse of the power grid, we discussed what challenges faced the energy sector for the w...
Harris v Trump: The state of the US election as the race heats up
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The US election race is heating up. A month ago, after the Republican National Convention and a failed assassination attempt, it seemed like Donald ...
Days 20 and 21: The final search history and unsent messages of Pauline Hanna
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Week five in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne has kicked off with more on what was found on the couple’s tech, a hint that Pauline Hanna found a P p...
AI predicted to add billions to NZ's economy - how fast is the tech evolving?
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence. Once something you’d only find in sci-fi novels, it’s now an everyday necessity for some. A new Accentrue report for Micr...
Deadly new variant of Mpox spreading - what you need to know
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There was an outbreak of the virus – formerly known as Monkeypox – back in 2022, but a new variant that originated in the Democratic Republic of C...
Days 18 and 19: Sex tapes, intimate letters and Google searches revealed
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The end of the shortened fourth week in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne traverses a range of topics He’s accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Han...
What is the Du Val Group and why has it been put into statutory management?
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government's stepped in on Auckland apartment developer the Du Val Group, placing it in statutory management. This follows Du Val Capital Partners...
Can Team NZ win the America's Cup again - and are we still bitter about the move to Barcelona?
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The first stage of the 37th America’s Cup is about to begin. The world’s longest continuous sporting competition, Team New Zealand will be looki...
Days 16 and 17: Drug tests at Auckland Eye before the couple's finances are examined
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The trial of Philip Polkinghorne has, in theory, hit the halfway mark – with Justice Graham Lang telling the jury it’s “broadly on schedule”. ...
Ukraine seizes Russian territory: What it means for the ongoing war
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ukrainian troops have strengthened positions and expanded territory in Russia's Kursk region, nearly two weeks into their incursion. Ukraine says it h...
Restaurant closures and rising costs: Inside the crisis facing hospitality
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s tough out there for New Zealand’s hospitality industry. The rising cost of living in the past few years has seen everyone tightening their be...
Civil Aviation Authority whistleblowers speak out on fears over aviation safety in NZ
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whistleblowers at the Civil Aviation Authority have issued a dire warning about aviation safety in New Zealand. Staff describe a toxic culture, with t...
Days 14 and 15: Friends, colleagues share more about their concerns for Pauline
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Questions around a certain dinner at a Havelock North restaurant, more on what prescription drugs Pauline Hanna was taking – and unravelling the iss...
The OCR has finally been cut - so what's the current state of our economy?
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate, now it's down to 5.25 percent. This is the first time it has been cut in four years – since M...
What does the Government's new traffic light system mean for beneficiaries?
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has announced new restrictions for beneficiaries. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Social Development Minister Louise Upston this w...
Days 12 and 13: Pathologists detail Pauline's death, friends testify about their concerns
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Warning: This episode contains disturbing material and some explicit language. How did Pauline Hanna die? That’s the question for the jury, who, f...
New Zealand's foreign interference risk and how we can combat it
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Concerns have been raised on opposite ends of the planet this week on foreign interference from Iran. Donald Trump’s election campaign has claimed t...
NZ's golden games: Inside the highs of Paris 2024 and what success means for our athletes
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2024 Paris Olympics have come to an end – and what a fortnight it has been for the New Zealand Team. With ten golds, seven silver and three br...
Days 10 and 11: Family and co-workers shed light on Pauline's view of her marriage
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Day 10 saw the jury visit to the home of Pauline Hanna and Phllip Polkinghorne to see where Pauline had died. That was before a parade of ex-colleague...
The state of Auckland: Is the country's biggest city adapting for the future?
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new report has suggested that the country’s biggest city is going backwards. The second annual State of the City report, which compares Auckland’...
Day 9: Pauline labels her husband a 'sex fiend' as more revealed about her mental health
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pauline Hanna’s voice echoed throughout the courtroom on Day 9 of the trial of her husband, Philip Polkinghorne, who is accused of murdering her. ...
The reality behind the Olympic women's boxing controversy
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2024 Olympics has seen plenty of sporting highs as well as heartbreak for competitors around the world. But no competition has sparked more deba...
Days 7 and 8: Court hears Polkinghorne's police interview after first glimpses at infidelity
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The court has gotten its first glimpse of evidence from those closest to Philip Polkinghorne and Paulina Hanna – and some insight into his infidelit...
Fears of wider Middle East conflict as tensions grow between Israel, Iran and Lebanon
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fears of a war in the Middle East are growing – after a senior Hamas leader was killed in Tehran last week. It’s prompted Foreign Affairs Minister...
Inside the inquest into Lachie Jones' death as next phase begins
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On January 29, 2019, 3-year-old Gore toddler Lachie Jones was found dead in an oxidation pond, a little over a kilometre away from his mother’s home...
Day 6: What forensic evidence was and wasn't found at the scene
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the trial begins its second week, Day 6 began with a cross-examination of ESR forensic scientist, Fiona Matheson, and later the court heard from ES...
The impact of winter illnesses on our health system, and how you can avoid getting sick
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does it seem like people are a bit sicker than usual this winter? It’s been the talk of offices around the country, as people seem to be falling sic...
Days 4 and 5: Ropes, laundry and photos focus of end of trial's first week
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The first week of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne has come to an end. While we’re in the early stages of evidence, the topics that will be covere...
How has National performed so far in Government?
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The National Party will be gathering for its Annual General Meeting this weekend. It comes as the party recently marked eight months in power, and as ...
Remains finally found: What happens next in the Yanfei Bao case?
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Police have found remains in the search for missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao. It comes just a few weeks after the one year anniversar...
Day 3: Inside the scene examination and what Police saw
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Day three of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne centred around a bright orange rope hanging from a balustrade, and a detailed walk-through of the scene ...
Tax cuts finally come into effect: Will it help ease the cost of living?
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government’s long-awaited tax cuts are finally coming into effect from today. National campaigned strongly on the cuts, and on Budget Day ann...
Day 2: First responders paint picture of the morning of Pauline Hanna's death
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Warning: This podcast contains disturbing content.The second day of the trial focused on those who first attended the scene where Pauline Hanna's body...
Ferry fails and board exodus: Is KiwiRail's future on the line?
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The future of KiwiRail is at risk of going off the rails. There has been an exodus of directors from the Board following the early retirement of chair...
Day 1: Opening statements set stage for trial as jury hears 111 call
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Warning: This podcast contains disturbing content. The Crown has alleged extramarital affairs, dealings with sex workers, and a drug habit. The de...
Accused: What to expect from the Polkinghorne trial
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Easter Monday 2021, Paulina Hanna was found dead at the Remuera home she shared with her husband of 30 years, Philip Polkinghorne. For 16 months, h...
What legacy does David Lange have, 40 years since he became Prime Minister?
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On July 26th 1984, David Lange was sworn in as the 32nd Prime Minister of New Zealand. His ascension into the country’s top job came after Robert Mu...
Whenua: NZ Herald project explores how Māori land passed into Pākeha ownership
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aotearoa’s complicated history of land sales is the focus of a new series from the New Zealand Herald. Whenua: Our Land, Our History, is an interact...
The stories behind the Abuse in Care Inquiry
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly three-thousand experiences have been heard in 133 days of public hearings, and more than a million documents received. It’s been five and a h...
After CrowdStrike, are we at risk of another major tech outage?
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our Y2K bug fears became a reality when millions of computers were disabled worldwide over the weekend. Microsoft estimates the outage meant about 8.5...
Joe Biden won't seek re-election - What next for the Democrats?
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Biden is stepping down from the US presidential election race. He says his decision to stand down "is in the best interest of his party and the ...
Minister Matt Doocey fronts on Government's plans for mental health
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s no secret New Zealand is suffering a major mental health crisis. Many people, including teens and children, often wait weeks to see someone w...
What led to SkyCity agreeing to a temporary casino closure?
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SkyCity Auckland will close its casino for five days following a Department of Internal Affairs investigation – set to cost the company a million do...
Is government intervention needed to break up NZ's supermarket duopoly?
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An investigation into the supermarket majors is underway as a merger of hundreds of stores around New Zealand fails to satisfy our competition watchdo...