The Front Page

Property Insider on the changes and challenges coming to the sector

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Property is the biggest investment most of us will make in our lives – and it’s often the biggest expense we face on a monthly basis. With a chang...

The worsening state of the Israel-Hamas war

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Since a brutal attack on an Israeli music festival on October 7th, relentless conflict has raged across Gaza. Thousands have already lost their lives...

Why is our homegrown beer and wine industry struggling?

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aotearoa loves to have a drink, but that doesn’t mean all is well in the business of booze. We’ve seen major craft brewers and wine companies batt...

How will Christopher Luxon and David Seymour run New Zealand?

22 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the election over and coalition talks in the air, it’s worth taking the time to look back at what two of the key players had to say about party...

Gangs and politicians: Will new government fix the problem - or make things worse?

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The incoming Government has promised to come down hard on gangs.   This comes after several years of increased illegal activity, driven by the arriv...

Does National have any hope of fixing the cost of living?

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

During the election campaign, the National Party vowed it would tackle the cost of living crisis. Well, having won the election, they now have to deli...

On The Campaign: How important are the special votes?

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 18th: In this final episode of On the Campaign for the moment, we hear from NZ Herald head of data Chris Knox about why the special votes are ...

How does Labour come back from massive defeat?

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The six years of the sixth Labour government have come to a close. Only three years after Jacinda Ardern led her party to a historic landslide, Chris ...

What will a National - Act - NZ First coalition look like?

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While special votes are still to be counted, and a by-election needs to be held, it looks like National and Act are set to form the next government. ...

On The Campaign: The campaign is over - but when will the new government be sworn in?

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 16th: The campaign is over and the coalition negotiations have begun. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins to discuss what ...

When healthcare goes wrong: What you can do when medical staff make mistakes

15 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Doctors failing to catch blood clots. Cancer being missed. Medicine given to patients who are allergic to it. Surgical equipment left inside patients....

Election 2023 results: Inside National's blue wave and Labour's wipeout

14 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a special crossover episode, the hosts of On The Campaign and The Front Page discuss the results of Election 2023. As the polls predicted poll nigh...

On The Campaign: Which party, politician and policy has performed the best?

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 13: With only a day of voting left, and hours left of the actual campaign, for this last episode before Election Day, Hamish talks to NZ Heral...

Why politicians need to be careful about adding to a rise in disinformation

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tomorrow, after nearly two months of campaigning, and countless press conferences, policy announcements and interviews, New Zealand will choose the ne...

On The Campaign: The penultimate day of campaigning - how close is the race?

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 12: There is a little over 48 hours to go until polling booths close, and the parties are still out in force as advanced voting suggests a hug...

Rachel Smalley on Pharmac, emails, and if anyone can fix our drug-buying agency

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For the past few years, former broadcaster and journalist Rachel Smalley has been advocating for change in how our country funds medicine.  Currently...

On The Campaign: The Auckland electorates seeing National and Act go head to head

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 11: Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon have faced the Herald's PM Job Interview to test their skills for the country's top job, as they conti...

How parties plan to deal with weather bombs and infrastructure troubles

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aotearoa is still picking up the pieces from Cyclone Gabrielle, and with a long dry summer ahead, 2023 will surely be remembered as the year climate c...

On The Campaign: How a by-election and overhang could increase the size of Parliament

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 10: A shock death on the campaign trail has revealed some of the more interesting elements of our electoral law, sparking a by-election to tak...

Israel-Hamas war highlights politicians' lack of foreign policy focus

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For much of the election campaign, the focus has been solely on domestic issues, with questions around foreign policy during televised debates quickly...

On The Campaign: Could there really be a second election?

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 9: We are just five sleeps away from Election Day, but some parties are already discussing a second election. Thomas Coughlan joins to dissect...

Do Kiwis really need $193,000 a year to find happiness?

08 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The old saying goes that money can’t buy you happiness – but it turns out, if you do rely on what’s in your wallet to keep you happy, you're goi...

On The Campaign: The minor parties make their case - can TOP join them in Parliament?

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 6: NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse joins the podcast to discuss the latest debate between the minor parties, and the growing tension ...

What could happen to benefits and superannuation after the election?

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Billions of dollars are spent on our benefit system every year. And every election, politicians debate fiercely about where we should be cutting or i...

On The Campaign: The Wellington electorates the Greens want to win

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 5: The battle over National's tax policy came up again today thanks to new analysis, while allegations of candidates being targetted resurface...

What Aotearoa can learn from Australia's 'The Voice' referendum

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On October 14th it won’t just be the people of Aotearoa heading to the ballot box. Australians will be taking part in a referendum over whether thei...

On The Campaign: The many sides of the race for Northland

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 4th: As the main parties move on from the debate over a debate, the tension turns towards National's promise to cut the Regional Fuel Tax in A...

Landlords vs tenants - how this election could sway the balance of power

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly 600,000 rental properties across New Zealand are home to 1.3 million tenants.  The relationship between those renters and landlords hangs in t...

On The Campaign: Inside the races for Auckland Central and Mt Albert

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 3: The political discourse today was dictated by the ongoing argument about The Press debate, and who has said what from both parties. And NZ ...

The politics of crime: What are the different parties promising around law and order?

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Crime in Aotearoa has dominated our political debate in the lead-up to the election. Every party has a view on what should be done about law and order...

On The Campaign: Debate squabbles, Covid tests, and campaign safety concerns

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

October 2nd: There are less than two weeks to go until Election Day, and one of our leaders is down with Covid. NZ Herald deputy editor Thomas Coughla...

Inside the financial mess facing Auckland and Wellington

01 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Two of our biggest cities are facing tough budget decisions. Both Auckland and Wellington need to save money and raise more funds to pay for everythin...

On the Campaign: The battle of the fiscal policies as Robertson, Willis face the CEOs

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 29th: National finally released its fiscal policy today, and it has already sparked strong words from Labour. And claims of race-baiting tak...

Mood of the Boadroom: Which party leader do businesses rate the best?

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prominent business leaders have had their say on what they think of the current Government and those vying to take over.  The Herald’s Mood of the ...

On The Campaign: Inside the latest leaders' debate and the Parliament protest

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 28: In a bumper episode of On the Campaign, Georgina is joined first by NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie to discuss the Newshub leade...

As Costco turns one, will more international brands come to our shores?

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been a year since retail giant Costco first opened its doors in west Auckland.   From day one, shoppers quickly streamed in to buy plus-size ...

On the Campaign: How important is advanced voting?

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 27: Labour has released their fiscal policy detailing how they will pay for things - and took aim at National in the process. And as the sec...

Reality TV stars threaten union action - does the industry need to change?

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the Hollywood writer’s strike prepares to come to an end, another key part of the entertainment industry is weighing up industrial action.  Real...

On The Campaign: Who's winning when it comes to the economy?

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 26: All parties dipped their toes into the policy announcement pool today, with National targeting beneficiaries, Labour boosting Pharmac, a...

How to avoid falling victim to a dodgy real estate deal

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealanders love their houses – and that love can sometimes see them getting ripped off.  Two cases reported on by the NZ Herald in recent weeks...

On The Campaign: Why this week is a 'last opportunity' for parties to make their case

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 25: A busy weekend of policy announcements preceded one of the most important weeks of the campaign, with advanced voting starting overseas ...

How Chateau Tongariro has ended up empty and in limbo

24 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The future of an Aotearoa architectural icon hangs in the balance.  Nearly 100 years after its initial construction, Chateau Tongariro finds itself i...

On The Campaign: Inside the minor party leaders' debate

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 22: Four of the minor party leaders faced off in their first televised debate of the campaign. NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson was ther...

Inside the chaos at Auckland Airport and the other concerns facing travellers

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland Airport has hit another bottle neck. Thousands are facing delays and long queues after having to cram into the airport in order to take to t...

On The Campaign: Main parties fight over the economy and petrol prices

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 21: Positive economic news released today was interpreted very differently by Labour and National, while Act released their slightly complex...

New Zealand faces 'shadow recession' as economic woes become more apparent

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are in the thick of the election campaign, but it almost doesn’t matter what policies are being announced – everyone's eyes are on the cost of ...

On the Campaign: Who really won the first televised debate?

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 20th: NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie joins Georgina to recap and review the first televised leaders debate, and declares an unexpec...

Our politicians are courting India - what's behind their sudden interest?

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a consensus across party lines that Aotearoa must forge a better relationship with India. Both Labour and National are vowing to organise bu...

On The Campaign: How important are the debates for this election?

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 19: There's only been one major story of the campaign today, and its for an event that hasn't happened yet. NZ Herald political editor Clair...

Boy racer resurgence: Can police get a handle of decades-old problem?

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An 18-year-old Canterbury woman has died after the car she was riding in crashed while fleeing police.  The accident came after police had arrived at...

On The Campaign: Fluoride controversy, debate prep and Act's hijacked party launch

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 18th: It was a quiet weekend for most of the political parties, except for Act, who had their campaign launch hijacked by Freedoms NZ. NZ He...

Covid's lessons: Have our leaders learnt anything from the pandemic?

17 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Back in 2020 during our last election campaign, Covid-19 was the top focus for politicians as Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins argued that their part...

On The Campaign: Who is promising to resign over a policy?

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 15th: Two debates - the ASB Great Debate and a rural issues debate - drew huge interest last night. Queenstown-based Herald reporter Derek C...

What's behind Sir Peter Jackson's growing property empire?

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Famed filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh have been quietly expanding their land empire, spending hundreds of millions of dollars on prop...

On The Campaign: The criticism grows for National's tax plan - will it matter to voters?

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 14th: Three economists have come out against National's foreign buyer tax plan, saying it is 'beyond comprehension' with the possibility of ...

El Niño is coming - What it means for spring and summer weather

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After relentless downpours across the North Island for most of the year, the weather in Aotearoa is about to take a rapid turn.   Meteorologists are...

On the Campaign: How debate ready are our politicians?

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 13th: We're over a week into the election campaign, and the steady stream of policy announcements from the major parties is becoming more o...

Morocco earthquake: Kiwi on the ground details the horror she witnessed

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Morocco has suffered its worst earthquake in six decades.   Ancient buildings have been destroyed and key transport routes through the Atlas Mountai...

On The Campaign: What does the PREFU mean for our politicians and the economy?

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 12th: It was all about the PREFU - Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update - today, which arrived with some good news and big warnings. Geor...

Is there a better way to treat cancer in New Zealand?

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cancer is a diagnosis no one wants to receive, but approximately 25,000 Kiwis will hear that bad news every year.  Making those numbers even worse is...

On The Campaign: 'Trainwreck' interviews and packed policy announcements

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

September 11th: A lot can change in a few days during an election campaign. A rough interview has seen Christopher Luxon take a hit as National's fina...

What needs to change to make our elections fairer for everyone

10 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Change is needed.  According to an independent panel commissioned by the Government, our electoral system is due for some updates.  Included in the ...

How the Accredited Employer Work Visa led to an immigration scandal

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A scheme introduced by the Government last year meant to end the abuse and exploitation of migrants instead seems to have done quite the opposite.  M...

Rugby World Cup 2023: Can the All Blacks win another title?

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is kicking off this week in France.  It marks a big moment not just for the All Blacks, looking to reclaim the world title a...

The Marokopa mystery: What do we know about missing man Tom Phillips?

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the case that has all of New Zealand scratching their heads. Marokopa resident Tom Phillips and his three children have been missing since Januar...

The politics of Africa's 'coup belt' and what's behind the instability

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gabon has become the latest African nation to see its leadership overthrown in a coup d’etat in recent years.  Minutes after the ailing President A...

The wider ramifications of SkyCity's gambling probe

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

SkyCity Entertainment Group could soon have the operator license for their three casinos suspended if the Department of Internal Affairs has its way. ...

How the royals have fared in the year since Queen Elizabeth II's death

03 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks one year since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. It also marks a year since the ascension of King Charles III from a lifetime of wait...

Developers vs neighbours: Is there a fix that doesn't involve media or lawyers?

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A years-long dispute between two pensioners and an Auckland property developer reignited over the weekend.  Owen and Jane Hayward claim they have tre...

What the latest studies warn about extreme weather and climate change

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Day by day climate change is having a clearer and clearer impact on us and the world we live in.  While we’re reaching the end of a frosty winter h...

The election campaign heats up as Parliament winds down

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Parliament wraps up its final sitting week of the term, will next Friday it will formally dissolve as the Governor-General of New Zealand triggers ...

What does the landmark Mainzeal court case mean for business directors?

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It has been 10 years since the collapse of construction company Mainzeal, and for much of that decade the company’s directors have been embroiled in...

NZ Fashion Week returns: What you need to know about the big comeback

27 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The centrepiece of our fashion industry is back after four long years away.  New Zealand Fashion Week returns with a brand new te reo name; Kahuria, ...

'A warzone': What it's like to be part of a Family Court custody battle

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody expects their relationship to spill into a long Family Court dispute, but thousands in Aotearoa resort to this measure every year.  The experi...

Inside the predatory crimes of the Mama Hooch rapists and how they got caught

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Warning: This episode of The Front Page contains extensive discussion of sexual assault. Danny and Roberto Jaz are now known as two of Aotearoa's most...

Mortgage rates and house prices: What to know about the state of the property market

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mortgage rates and house prices are two of our favourite topics of conversation in New Zealand, and they are making for grim discussions at the moment...

With the Football World Cup over, will women's sport get more support?

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thirteen minutes of extra time would have felt like a lifetime to Spanish supporters on Sunday night, but the FiFA Women’s World Cup has finally end...

BetStop: Should we adopt Australia's scheme to tackle problem gambling?

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The modern gambler sits among us. They’re on the sofa in our living room, they’re at our work lunches and they’re the distracted friend at the e...

Why has the effectiveness of our recycling been called into question?

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kiwis around the country fastidiously separate their rubbish, putting recyclables in one bin and trash in the other.  The belief here is that we’re...

Behind the scenes of our overburdened health system - and its impact on patients

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We put our faith in the idea that a visit to the hospital places us in the safe hands of professionals capable of caring for us under their watch.  ...

The Lauren Dickason trial: What happens now after the verdict?

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After a month long trial and three days of deliberation, the jury has returned a verdict in the Lauren Dickason trial.  Dickason has been found guilt...

The downfall of the iconic Waiwera Thermal Resort

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Waiwera Thermal Resort was once filled with sound of splashing water and laughing families enjoying a much-needed day out.   Those happy sounds have...

Retiring MPs Jan Logie and Jacqui Dean on how politics needs to change

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we get closer to the October election, we’re also nearing the end of New Zealand's 53rd Parliament. And while most MPs and hoping to return in Oc...

Cyclone Gabrielle's impact on the East Coast six months on

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Six months ago today, a national state of emergency was declared as Cyclone Gabrielle made landfall on Aotearoa. While all eyes were on Auckland, the ...

Cyber fraud: Why aren't authorities taking scams seriously?

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Being targeted by scam artists is becoming more common by the day.  Cyber fraud, often led by international cartels, has been able to grow to such an...

Chewing the Facts: Weighing up NZ's silent discrimination

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard to go through life in the 21st century without hearing daily about exercise, dieting and healthy eating. But what if everything we know ab...

'Fiscal holes' vs deficits and what they mean for the election

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You always know we’re getting closer to an election when the words ‘fiscal hole’ start getting thrown around the place.   Our major parties ha...

After years of the youth crime rate sinking, what's behind the recent surge?

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last two years, we’ve seen an endless stream of stories about youth misbehaving.   But this is a surprising spike after nearly 15 years of...

Inside the plans for Drury East - Auckland's new development the size of Napier

06 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the country’s biggest developments is currently underway in south Auckland. Over 50 hectares of fields are being transformed into a new city ...

Will Donald Trump's historic criminal indictments impact his presidential run?

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Former US President Donald Trump has been indicted once again.   After facing charges related to hush money payments and mishandling classified docum...

What's the right way to improve our roads - and make them safer?

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Transport links are seen as a key election issues.  National has announced a $24 billion policy, with much of the attention going toward new four-lan...

Cash for Candidates: How big is elite donors' influence on political parties?

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We all like to think that, as democratic voters, we have an equal say in influencing politicians and policy – but some of our wealthiest New Zealand...

What the stats show about the people moving to Australia

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you believe the headlines at the moment, New Zealand is facing a mass exodus to Australia.   Not only does the data show a huge migration movemen...

What do businesses know about your data - and can they be trusted?

30 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You’re being watched online every day. Almost every click you make, every item you purchase and every clip you watch is being recorded by businesses...

Why are we so afraid of, yet obsessed with, crime?

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The last few years of news have been dominated by crime. From fears of attacks on diaries and jewellery stores and ram raids, to shocking acts of viol...

Netball World Cup: What you need to know about the Silver Ferns' chances

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Netball World Cup kicks off this week in South Africa, with the reigning champs the Silver Ferns looking to repeat their success from 2019.   But...

Probation and gun control under the spotlight after Auckland CBD shooting

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The two victims of the Auckland construction site shooting have been named.   Solomona To’oto’o  and Tupuga Sipiliano were killed when Matu Rei...

After Kiri Allan's car crash resignation, what now for Labour?

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Justice Minister Kiri Allan has resigned from Cabinet after being charged with careless use of a motor vehicle and failure to accompany a police offic...

Nation of Debt: We need to talk about the billions we owe

23 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kiwis often don’t like to talk about money, but as our debt burden balloons, it’s an uncomfortable conversation we need to have.   Both national...

Can supermarket reforms stop the soaring price of food?

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ask anyone what’s hurting their wallet the most at the moment, and the majority will probably say the cost of food.  Figures out this week show it ...