The Front Page
Episodes
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...
Do we need more competition and regulation in the banking sector?
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An inquiry into New Zealand’s banking competition, or lack thereof, is currently underway. Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced it in June, putt...
What will Trump assassination attempt mean for US election?
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
US politics is in a freefall, after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The shooting killed a spectator and injured two othe...
Kiwis migrating: How does NZ's cost of living compare with Australia and the UK?
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More and more Kiwis are heading overseas to see if the grass is really greener on the other side. Most of us are heading to Australia, with latest fig...
Shots fired at Donald Trump rally: What we know so far
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this breaking news edition of The Front Page, former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appears to have been shot at a...
David Seymour defends charter schools as applications open for their return
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a price tag of $153 million – the coalition government’s paving the way for charter schools to make a comeback in 2025. Government has plac...
New stats show tough outlook for the NZ economy - but are we closer to OCR cuts?
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Reserve Bank has delivered their last judgement on the Official Cash Rate – and surprise surprise, there’s been no change. The Reserve Bank...
Inside the latest data on crime in NZ - can Government plans address our rising fear?
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Crime is one of the key issues the coalition government was voted in on, and it’s easy to see why. The latest data shows overall crime is sitting st...
From NATO to AUKUS - New Zealand's independent defence policy facing pressure
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is off to the United States this week – the world’s largest economy and our second biggest trading partner. He’...
Why MP Darleen Tana is being asked to resign from Parliament
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Green MP Darleen Tana has spent half of her short Parliamentary career under investigation, after allegations she is linked to migrant exploitation at...
Thousands impacted by energy hardship each year - is there an easy fix?
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Each year around 40,000 New Zealanders are disconnected from the power supply for non-payment, according to Consumer NZ. They are surviving winter...
UK election result sees big political shift: What you need to know
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While the final results are set to trickle in slowly, the exit poll for the UK election has shown a historic landslide for the Labour Party. The poll ...
Government announces plans to 'flood' housing market - what will it mean for house prices?
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has unveiled grand plans to ‘flood’ the market with more houses, announcing new changes to planning rules that will require council...
Travel dramas: Why are we seeing more 'extreme turbulence' and planes being turned around?
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In recent months, stories of extreme turbulence have come to dominate travel headlines. A flight between Spain and Uruguay this week had to be diverte...
As Newshub ends, what does the future hold for NZ media?
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand’s media industry is facing arguably the biggest shake up in years. Stuff is closing a newspaper and launching a 6pm bulletin, TVNZ se...
Dry July: Is it time we change the laws around alcohol?
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alcohol law reform could be on the cards this government term. That’s after alcohol was identified as one of the key factors that need to be address...
Is Paris ready for the 2024 Olympics - and which Kiwi athletes are hoping for gold?
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest sporting event of the year kicks off this month. The 2024 Paris Olympics are only a few weeks away, and nearly 200 Kiwi athletes will be...
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden on future of public holidays and Holidays Act
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This Matariki is the third time the annual celebration has been an official public holiday. But while this holiday is safe, the future of other public...
Cash boosts to provide relief from July 1 - will you benefit?
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been struggling with the cost of living, some good news is in store. While Kiwis have to wait a few more weeks to see the Government’s t...
Why is New Zealand seeing more intense rainfall?
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over the last year, the term ‘atmospheric river’ has entered our daily vocabulary, as New Zealand sees more intense rainfall hit our shores. From ...
Pharmac funding: Do we need to change how we pay for medicine?
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It may have taken a month to get there, but the Government has fulfilled its promise to fund new cancer drugs. Rather than the 13 promised on the camp...
Planes, trains and ferries: Why is NZ struggling to replace failing infrastructure?
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Government is being warned it must invest in New Zealand's ageing infrastructure. It comes after a week of infrastructure woes, with the Defence F...
Public service cuts unlikely to slow down: How many jobs have been cut so far?
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thousands of jobs have gone, millions of dollars have been spent on redundancy payouts – and it’s not over yet as the public sector continues to t...
Australia returns to tough stance on NZ-born 501s - Inside the policy's impact on deportees
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Australian government is pivoting to a stricter stance on deporting so-called "501s" - people with criminal histories who had mostly grown up in A...
30 years since Bain family killings: Why the case still intrigues New Zealand
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
30 years ago, five members of the Bain family in Dunedin were found dead in their family home. The one surviving family member, David, was later convi...
RocketLab's Peter Beck talks 50th launch, defence contracts, and looking towards Mars
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In May 2017, Rocket Lab launched its first rocket into space. Over the last seven years, the company has grown to become a powerhouse in the global ae...
The future of Kāinga Ora and social housing under the microscope
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been five years since social housing in New Zealand was put under the banner of Kāinga Ora. Over that time, questions have been asked about th...
Inheritance wars: Expert advice for what to do when wills turn sour
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Losing a loved one is one of the worst things a family can go through. But it can get a lot worse if people start fighting over the will before the bo...
Why are we so obsessed with Married at First Sight - and the changing face of reality TV
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There’s no better way to unwind at the end of a long day of work than binging on reality TV. From The Block, to Celebrity Treasure Island, Kiwis hav...
How capital markets and investments are faring in a struggling economy
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The global economy is still recovering from a difficult few years, and New Zealand is not immune. The NZX 50 has been struggling recently, the recent ...
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay talks relationship between the two ahead of Fieldays
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand is a farming country, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. Agriculture and the primary sector remain central to our internationa...
The dangerous synthetic drug that's worrying experts as it shows up in NZ
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years, drug busts at New Zealand’s border keep getting bigger, with record breaking hauls getting stopped by officials. But drugs are stil...
Health system in crisis: What needs to be fixed to improve patient care
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The parties of the coalition Government were staunch critics of the state of our healthcare system while on the opposite side of the aisle. Now that t...