The Front Page

A leading paediatrician is warning more New Zealand babies will end up in hospital this winter while a treatment that could prevent many RSV cases remains unavailable. The breakthrough antibody injection is already being used in countries like Australia, the UK and the US, but here it's still awaiting approval and funding decisions. The delay has reignited questions about how we prioritise child health and whether New Zealand is moving quickly enough when it comes to proven medicines. Today on The Front Page, senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah joins us to discuss his reporting on this issue, before we speak to recently retired South Auckland paediatrician Dr Adrian Trenholme about what he's witnessed on the frontline over nearly five decades. Michael Morrah's story:https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/top-paediatrician-warns-more-babies-will-suffer-as-rsv-drug-still-unapproved/SMDDIY4VDJCOVN6RZDFNF2VBGU/ Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For just the third time in history, New Zealand is heading to football's biggest stage. The FIFA World Cup is ready for kick off and the All Whites are returning to the tournament for the first time since that memorable campaign in South Africa in 2010. Back then, New Zealand achieved something no other team did – leaving the tournament undefeated. Fast forward to 2026 and the World Cup is bigger, the game is faster – the competition has changed, and the All Whites have changed too. With a deeper squad, and captain Chris Wood coming off the best season of his career, do we dare let our hopes go beyond being “just happy to be there”? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald sports reporter Chris Reive joins us to discuss New Zealand's chances and the stories set to shape the world's biggest sporting tournament. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has unveiled its first major policy announcement since the Budget, promising to cap weekly public transport fares at $20 in the main centres. But is this really just a transport policy, or the first glimpse of a broader election strategy? Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins Richard Martin to break down what the announcement says about Labour's campaign, whether the numbers stack up and why cost of living is shaping up as the key battleground. They also discuss the controversy surrounding Labour's newest candidate, the scrutiny over Chris Hipkins' holiday home mortgage and whether the Opposition leader is entering the election campaign in a stronger position than many expected. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few months ago, the Government said New Zealanders could end up helping fund a new LNG import terminal through their power bills. Now it's changed its mind. As of today, the customer levy is gone, but the plan to import liquefied natural gas as a backup for dry years is still very much alive. So why the backdown and who ultimately will end up paying? And with LNG now being described as the fastest and most flexible option available by 2028, is this the best solution for New Zealand's dry-year problem, or just the quickest one on the table? Today we're joined by New Zealand Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford to discuss the politics, economics and energy security questions behind one of the Government's biggest infrastructure bets. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane Yee See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland is supposed to be moving again. The City Rail Link is almost here, the CBD is looking better, and there’s been a lot of talk about the economy finally turning a corner. But for many Aucklanders, it still doesn’t feel like a recovery. New figures show the value of building work in Auckland has fallen sharply, with non-residential construction taking a major hit. And when construction slows down, it doesn’t just affect developers. It affects jobs, confidence, businesses, the city centre, and the wider economy. So, is Auckland’s construction slump one reason the country’s biggest city still feels stuck? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann joins us to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and whether there’s any sign of momentum returning. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four New Zealand MPs who visited Taiwan last month have been banned from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau for a year. National's Maureen Pugh, Labour's Duncan Webb, ACT's Laura McClure and NZ First's David Wilson were visiting as part of a cross-party Parliamentary group to improve relations with Taiwan. The Chinese embassy has said the ban could be reduced or waived with an apology. It’s the first time China has imposed such a move-- so does this mark a turning point in China–New Zealand relations, or is it a targeted, symbolic strike that won’t fundamentally change anything? Today on The Front Page, Victoria University of Wellington Contemporary China Research Centre director Jason Young is with us to unpack what’s behind China’s decision, why it happened now, and what the backlash could mean for our future relationship with Beijing. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US and Iran are exchanging the biggest strikes in months amid ceasefire talks. It comes just days after a call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu apparently got heated as negotiations over the Iran War continue. Iranian media signal talks between Tehran and Washington are ongoing, despite reports that Iran suspended them. Trump has said that negotiations are going “very well” - and that a ceasefire could happen “over the weekend”. Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman joins us to unpack the latest developments. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has just handed its lowest-paid workers a 4.75% pay rise, lifting the minimum wage to just over $25-Australian-dollars an hour – which is about $32-New Zealand-dollars. That means a full-time worker across the Tasman will now earn nearly $1004-Aussie-dollars, before tax. -- or $1216- Kiwi dollars. Here, the minimum wage went up just 2% this year to $23.95 an hour. Even our voluntary Living Wage, at $29.90, falls short of Australia’s legal minimum. At a time when rent, groceries, petrol, and power bills keep climbing – the comparison is stark. So, what does this say about how New Zealand values its workers? And, why on earth would any young person want to live and build a life here? Today on The Front Page, New Zealand Council of Trade Unions president Sandra Grey is with us to talk about the growing wage gap, what it means for workers here, and whether New Zealand is in danger of pricing itself out of its own future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frigates, freeloading, and our nuclear-free identity are all suddenly up for debate. New Zealand is being called a “freeloader” by the US Secretary of War for not increasing our defence spending as much as he’d like. Meanwhile, there’s a suggestion that we should have a “conversation” about our decades-old nuclear-free policy. So, as the world rearms and pressure from allies grows, where does New Zealand draw the line? Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Al Gillespie is with us to talk about what happens next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure and health are the big priorities in this year's Budget, as banks face a new levy, and cuts take shape. There are no specific cost-of-living payments or Budget sugar hits - but Finance Minister Nicola Willis promises spending initiatives will create thousands of jobs. And our books are set to return to surplus earlier than expected. But, Opposition parties are saying the Government doesn’t live in the same reality as struggling Kiwis. So, what does it actually mean for households, for the economy, and for the political landscape? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald chief political reporter, Jamie Ensor, is with us to break down the numbers, the politics, and what it all means for you. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While everyone counts the dollars and tries to make sense of Budget 2026 – there are thousands of public servants staring down losing their jobs. In her pre-Budget speech, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced plans to slash the sector by about 8,700 roles by mid-2029. The overhaul will also include reducing the number of government departments and increasing the use of AI. The Public Service Association says the changes will further decimate public services, at a time when workers are already stretched to breaking point. So, is this really about efficiency or is it just shrinking the state and hoping services will hold together? Today on The Front Page, Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons is with us to talk about what happens next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy security. Financial security. International security. Social cohesion. These are the government’s priorities for Budget 2026 that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon laid out earlier this month. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says this Budget will lay out a clear plan. Where the country is now, where we're headed, and the road we'll take to get there. So, what should we look out for? How does this position the Coalition for the election? Will the spending be worth the thousands of public sector jobs being cut to pay for it? Today on The Front Page, University of Otago Honorary Research Fellow, Dr Michael Swanson, is with us for a pre-Budget 2026 chat. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's announced a $1.2 billion gas transition loan scheme – a big bet on keeping some of New Zealand’s most gas hungry businesses afloat. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the government will guarantee 80% of each loan, with about $48 million set aside to cover potential losses. It’s being framed as a lifeline: help gas‑heavy manufacturers and processors stay open, protect jobs, and ease pressure on a shrinking and increasingly expensive fuel. But behind the headlines, big questions remain. Who really benefits, who foots the bill, and will any of this cost creep its way into your power bill or tax bill? Today on The Front Page, journalist and publisher of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey is with us to unpack whether this scheme is an economic rescue mission, a political pivot, or something more complicated. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just weeks out from the end of greyhound racing in New Zealand, a secretive charter flight plan is raising eyebrows. It’s understood a number of dogs are being prepped for a trip across the ditch before the sport’s banned here. But, why now? What about the welfare of these animals? And is this just a last ditch effort to make some cash before it’s lights out for the industry. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah is with us to unpack what he’s uncovered, and what it says about the final days of greyhound racing in New Zealand. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Football fever is about to hit Auckland like we’ve never seen before. Auckland FC is hosting the Grand Final at Go Media Stadium against Sydney FC on Saturday. It’s the first time New Zealand has hosted an A‑League decider, and the city is on the brink of a huge sporting moment. Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB’s Weekend Sport host Jason Pine is with us to talk about how Auckland FC has reached meteoric heights, and what this final could mean for football in New Zealand. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It started with a young Māori man trying to help a stranger on the street. He ended up being pinned to the ground, handcuffed, locked in a cell, and a four-year court battle. Jamie Lawry ended up being found not guilty, but the case raises harder questions about racism and systemic bias in the north. Many Māori parents up north have to have what is called “the talk” - where they have to teach their kids how to act around police in order to be safe. Today on The Front Page, Green MP Hūhana Lyndon – who is based in Te Tai Tokerau – tells us about what “the talk” means in her whanau and in communities across the region – and why so many Māori families have no choice but to have these conversations. But first, NZ Herald senior writer David Fisher is with us to take us through what happened to Lawry. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Mongrel Mob-run meth rehab programme ended up at the centre of a fierce political fight. After being funded by Jacinda Ardern’s government, the Coalition government turned off the tap for drug rehabilitation programme Kahukura. But behind the politics, did Kahukura actually help people get off meth? And what does it tell us about who is best placed to deliver addiction treatment? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer Derek Cheng has gone through the reports on the programme’s intakes, and he joins us now to talk through what really happened – and the role of gangs in frontline services. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve spent any time on Auckland’s motorways, you’ll know the city’s traffic problem is no joke – and one of the big fixes being talked about is charging people to sit in it. The AA has surveyed its Auckland members on time-of-use charging, and while the results show plenty of scepticism, a lot of people back the principle. But only if the scheme is designed fairly and the details are smart enough to actually work. Today on The Front Page, AA policy director Martin Glynn is with us to take us through what congestion charging might look like in future and whether it could finally get Auckland moving. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First will campaign on buying back the BNZ bank and making KiwiSaver enrolment compulsory at birth. Winston Peters’ appearance at Trusts Arena in West Auckland at the weekend comes at a time when his party is surging in the polls... He’s also closing in on National leader Christopher Luxon in the preferred Prime Minister ranking, months out from the election. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald chief political reporter, Jamie Ensor, is with us. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is being sold to us as the future. Faster, smarter, more efficient, maybe even world changing. But as a handful of tech companies race to build ever more powerful AI, there are growing questions about secrecy, exploitation, and the extraordinary concentration of power behind the scenes. Journalist Karen Hao has spent years reporting on OpenAI and the global AI industry, and in her book Empire of AI, she argues this isn’t just a story about technology, it’s a story about ideology, labour, resources, and control. Today on The Front Page, Karen Hao joins us to unpack the rise of OpenAI, Sam Altman, and the real cost of the AI arms race. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland’s long-running second harbour crossing debate is back in the spotlight. It’s a project that politicians love to talk about but have long struggled to deliver - given the complex work, the very high price tag, and the wide range of very heated opinion on what would be best for the City of Sails. NZTA is in the final stages of refining both a tunnel and a bridge option and will seek a decision on which to progress with “in mid-2026". It’s after reports show the existing bridge’s ongoing maintenance burden – and the possibility of repair work forcing closures. Today on The Front Page, University of Auckland senior lecturer in urban planning, Dr Timothy Welch is with us to unpack the politics, the planning, and the choices ahead. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On paper, New Zealand Super is one of the simplest parts of our welfare system. Most people become eligible at 65, it’s not means tested, and for decades it’s been treated as a kind of social contract: work hard, reach retirement, and the state will be there. But that contract is under growing pressure. As our population ages and governments look for ways to contain long-term costs, the debate keeps returning. Should we raise the age of eligibility, and if we do, who pays the price? Today on The Front Page, Auckland University Business School associate professor Susan St John is with us to talk about the future of superannuation, the arguments for and against raising the retirement age, and why this debate never stays settled for long. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may have heard there’s a new virus making headlines. Three people have died and several others have fallen ill after an outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship. Governments and health agencies around the world are coordinating a mass evacuation of passengers – working together to get people home while at the same time trying to prevent any further spread. So, should we be worried here in New Zealand? What are the real-world risks for most people? What are the warning signs? And, what does this response tell us about how authorities handle a serious disease threat? Have we gotten any better at it? Today on The Front Page, Massey University infectious diseases expert Professor David Hayman is with us to unpack the outbreak, the evacuation, and whether this really is an unprecedented public health operation. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If an election were held today, the coalition Government would likely be returned to power and not by a narrow margin. A new NZ Herald–Motu Research Poll of Polls model suggests the Government has an 88.3% chance of winning a second term, with support across National, Act and New Zealand First holding steady. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan joins The Front Page to talk through the latest results, and how Winston Peters could once again be kingmaker come November 7.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbara Demick has spent her career telling the stories of people living under some of the world’s most repressive and dangerous regimes. From North Korea to Tibet and Bosnia, her reporting and books have helped readers understand what life looks like far beyond the headlines. Her latest book, Daughters of the Bamboo Grove, chronicles the true story of Chinese twin girls, born in rural Hunan, separated by China’s one-child policy. Demick joins The Front Page to explain how the book acts as more than one family’s tragedy. It’s also an account of how state policy reshaped private life, family structure and identity in China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Youthline ASB report is shining a light on the mounting pressures facing young Kiwis. The 2026 State of the Generation report includes Gen Alpha for the first time and is based on a nationwide survey of more than 1000 people aged 12 to 24. The report reveals a lot is worrying our younger generations, and the consequences of these pressures are dire. In the past three months, Youthline recorded an all-time high, connecting an average of four young people a day with emergency services. That’s compared with one a week five years ago. Youthline CEO Shae Ronald joins the show with more on the things that are keeping our young people up at night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Salvation Army report is putting a spotlight on why an alarming number of ex-prisoners go on to reoffend. In New Zealand, more than 43% of people released from prison end up back there within two years. Almost two-thirds reoffend. The Salvos reckon more focus is needed on ‘reintegration’ services, to make sure people return to the community with stability, support, and resources. Today on The Front Page, The Salvation Army’s social policy mission officer, Ian Hutson, is with us to discuss why our current system is failing to build the "home base" that so many people need - to break the cycle of re-imprisonment for good. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand businesses are running on fumes, with cash reserves dwindling amid surging fuel prices and KiwiSaver costs... all while the full shockwave hasn't fully hit yet. Economist and publisher of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey, joins us to explain why the fuel crisis reality is only dawning, the supply chain pain ahead, and what it means for New Zealand's economy. He also answers the question we've all been asking ... what does Wylie Coyote have to do with any of this?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s unemployment rate is expected to hold steady - at least on paper - when new data is released this week. But beneath that headline number, economists are warning the labour market may already be weakening, just as global tensions and an oil shock begin to bite. There are also growing concerns about something called ‘stagflation’... where higher unemployment and rising inflation collide... and what that could mean for households and the wider economy. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to unpack what to look for in the latest data, what it really tells us about the state of the economy, and what could come next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper is a name and certainly a voice that’s recognisable across New Zealand. After decades in the Beehive, Soper put pen to paper outlining his time covering 12 Prime Ministers, from Muldoon to Luxon. He blends personal stories, policy critiques, and behind-the-scenes tales ... like Muldoon’s drunken Schnapps election call, Lange’s antics in Africa, and Bolger’s mimicry habits. As former PM John Key wrote in one of the book’s forewords, “Barry knew, and still knows, where the bones are buried”. The other foreword is penned by Helen Clark. Barry Soper joins The Front Page to discuss how political reporting has changed over the years, and where he thinks it’s headed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man has been charged with attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump after trying to storm the White House correspondents’ dinner. The 31-year-old was carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shot gun, and three knives as he charged past security. A White House security review’s been launched to understand how this person managed to get so close to the President. So how should we understand this moment? Is it part of a long historical pattern, or something new? And what are the risks of copycat attacks, political escalation, and the way this is reported? Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Alexander Gillespie is with us to unpack the history, the legal questions, and what it all means from here. Host/Producer: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Executive Producer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

El Niño is set to hit New Zealand this winter. Global climate models show there’s a greater than 60% probability that this ‘event’ will be ‘strong’ by spring, with the potential to intensify later this year. But, what does this all actually mean? What happens when the ocean surface warms? And what does it mean for our weather? Today on The Front Page, Earth Sciences New Zealand and MetService meteorologist Jon Tunster is with us to make sense of it all. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report suggests that New Zealand’s rapidly changing demographic make-up has reached a critical point. Within decades, a quarter of all New Zealanders could be 65 or older – a situation unheard of in our history. At the same time, migration patterns are shifting, cities like Auckland are absorbing most growth, and regional decline is accelerating. The Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures report argues these trends can no longer be managed as separate issues – we need a national population strategy to link housing, health, infrastructure and economic policy. Today on The Front Page, emeritus Professor Paul Spoonley unpacks the data, the risks of inaction, and what a credible strategy would look like for our cities, regions and prosperity. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is adamant that New Zealand’s economic recovery has been delayed, but not derailed, by the war in Iran. Nicola Willis has shone a light on the country’s economic outlook in the lead up to next month’s budget. At the same time, Stats NZ data on the country’s productivity performance for the year to March 2025 shows our productivity continued to fall during what was a recessionary period for New Zealand. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to take us through what this all means for our country’s economy, and for you. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sales volumes have continued to decline across New Zealand’s housing market. It marks a third consecutive monthly fall and extends the subdued start to 2026 – even as property values remain broadly stable. But beneath the surface, the picture is uneven. Auckland remains soft, first home buyers are propping up demand, and the rental market is showing signs of strain. At the same time, global uncertainty and inflation risks are starting to cloud the outlook. Today on The Front Page, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson is with us to unpack what’s really happening in the housing market, and what could come next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s safe to say our last episode on EVs amid the current fuel crisis sparked some lively debate. Our last guest’s take on unreliable EVs and the possibility of brand collapses drew strong pushback. So, today, we're flipping the script with a fresh take to tackle your top concerns head-on. EV registrations are still surging alongside hybrids and PHEVs. As of April 19, there were 5346 EVs registered this year, compared to 2493 at the same time last year. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEVs, are at an all-time high up 79% and Hybrids up 6.2%. Today on The Front Page, AA chief mobility officer, Jonathan Sergel, is with us to break down the fact and fiction around EVs. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has initiated and survived a motion of confidence as National Party leader. After about a three-hour caucus meeting, Christopher Luxon read a short statement out to media before leaving without taking questions. This all comes after weeks of speculation about whether his performance during the Iran fuel crisis mixed with poor polling would be enough to get him kicked out of the Beehive. So, does Luxon actually have the full support of his caucus? Will this all quieten leadership rumours? And what will it mean for the election? NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor was in amongst the action all day today – he joins us now on The Front Page. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has quietly agreed to repeal several references to Treaty principles within laws. The move – which wasn’t publicly announced – follows a coalition agreement to review Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation. Ministers argue the changes will bring greater clarity and consistency. Critics warn it could strain Māori-Crown relationships even further, and could trigger legal challenges. So, what does it all mean? And, does it echo the deeply controversial Treaty Principles Bill in any way? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor is with us to break it down. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems the ongoing uncertainty of whether pumps will dry out has got people thinking greener. As at April 12, there were 5,137 EVs registered this year – up 116% from the same time last year. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEVs, are at an all-time high up 75% and Hybrids up 5%. These kinds of numbers haven’t been seen since the Clean Car Discount/post-lockdown boom seen in 2023. Sellers and auction sites are reporting hugely increased interest in zero-emissions cars; with good reason, because a typical EV might cost you as little as $10-15 to "fill" at home overnight. But, before you Covid-style panic buy an electric vehicle, it might pay to do some homework first. Today on The Front Page, motoring expert Clive Matthew-Wilson. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iranian military has threatened shipping in the Gulf, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Oman if the US naval blockade continues. The threats made by general Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi were apparently aired on Iranian state television. Meanwhile, talks could resume as early as this week with NBC news reporting Trump has said the war was “very close to over” while Tehran has said messages were still being exchanged via Pakistan. Trump has also claimed that China is “very happy” about the situation – that was after Beijing labelled the US blockade “dangerous.” He also said that President Xi Jinping had agreed not to send weapons to Iran. Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman is with us. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illicit tobacco is quietly taking hold across New Zealand. A Retail NZ report warns the country could soon face the same violent black-market spiral seen in Australia. It has found more than a quarter of smokers are using illicit tobacco - most sourced from China and the Middle East. Some cartons are being sold for as little as 15 dollars - with supply controlled by organised crime groups. So what’s driving this trade, and how serious is the threat? Today on The Front Page, CEO Carolyn Young is with us to talk about the report’s findings and what action we need to take now. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US blockade of Iranian ports has begun. President Donald Trump is warning any ships that try to disrupt US efforts will be eliminated. Earlier, Iran's parliament speaker said the country would not "surrender under threats".Weekend peace talks between the US and Iran ended without resolution, with Trump blaming Iran 's unwillingness to end its nuclear ambitions. Vice President JD Vance has said that it’s up to Iran and the “ball is in their court” about furthering peace talks. So, what exactly is a blockade? Is it legal? And, what could it mean for the wider conflict? Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Al Gillespie is with us to unpack the implications and explore what this move might really achieve. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.