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US President Donald Trump says a Gaza ceasefire is “closer than ever” - but, what’s the reality? The White House has released a plan to end the Gaza war after Trump held talks with Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli leader has apparently agreed to the 20-point plan, which still requires sign off from Hamas. After nearly two years of war, the powers that be seem hopeful an end is near. Trump has said if Hamas doesn’t agree to the deal, it’s going to be “a very sad end”. But, given a number of provisions are ones the terror group has previously vetoed, how realistic is it? And who would govern Gaza once the dust settles anyway? Today on The Front Page, Australian National University Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies senior lecturer Dr Anas Iqtait is with us to discuss the latest in the plan for peace. 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.
Over the weekend, the New Zealand schools' side suffered a record breaking loss to the Australia U18's falling 81-48. It is a loss that has sparked conversation around rugby pathways in New Zealand and whether that is having a ripple effect on the All Blacks as test sides around the world begin to close the gap on the Kiwi side New Zealand Herald rugby analyst Gregor Paul wrote a piece on this issue, and spoke with D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are huge inequities facing at least 183,000 New Zealanders, and nothing’s being done about it. New data from Blind Low Vision NZ reveals how blind, deafblind, and low vision New Zealanders face not only higher costs but also the emotional strain of barriers most Kiwis never encounter. Stats NZ figures show that 58% of disabled New Zealanders earn $30,000 or less a year, compared with 33% of non-disabled people. So, what does government need to do to make sure this community doesn’t keep falling through the cracks? Today on The Front Page, Blind Low Vision NZ community and inclusion GM Dan Shepherd is with us to speak about his own lived experience, and how we might be able to help. 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.
We’re edging closer to exceeding 1.5°C of warming globally, and scientists will gather to understand the implications of missing our climate change targets. The world’s best will descend upon Austria this week for the first-ever Overshoot Conference. It’s while Winston Peters delivered a “truth bomb” at the UN recently, singling out four countries for being the world’s largest emitters. So, what happens if we don’t meet our climate targets? Today on The Front Page, Victoria University climate scientist professor James Renwick is with us to delve into climate overshoot, and why we should care about it. 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.
Church leaders are continuing to publicly apologise to survivors of abuse. The Presbyterian Church is the latest to address it in two public apology events, the first was in Dunedin at the weekend and the next is in Auckland this Saturday. It’s the latest in a series of public apologies from church and public sector leaders after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Over five years of investigations, the inquiry heard nearly 3000 survivor accounts of abuse and neglect over five years of investigations. The more than 130 recommendations focused on creating a new, independent redress system, strengthening the care system, and holding institutions accountable. Today on The Front Page, lawyer Amanda Hill has represented Abuse in Care survivors and is with us to explain how the process is working, and how it’s not. 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.
US doctors will soon be advised not to prescribe paracetamol to pregnant women, after President Donald Trump claimed an ‘increased autism risk’. He cited the unproven link as a major factor in the rise of diagnoses. The call has been criticised worldwide, with Ministries of Health globally moving to put out the flames. Experts have labelled the rhetoric “quite scary” and “really damaging”. Today on The Front Page, University of Otago pediatrics and child health science officer, Joanne Dacombe, is with us to dive into how comments like this affect autistics and their families. 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.
Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The New Zealand Herald released its latest Mood of the Boardroom survey and Chris Luxon and Nicola Willis are out of Cabinet's top 10 performers. Can they turn things around? What do we think of our new Reserve Bank Governor? She seems very committed to transparency - do we think that's what our central bank needs? Tory Whanau has revealed she wants to run for Parliament. Do we think this is a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about the results of the New Zealand Herald's mood of the boardroom survey, and the University reforms announced by the Government earlier this month. For International Desk, they also spoke to Dr Marieke Riethof, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Politics at the University of Liverpool, about the conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and the public response. On City Counselling this week, Producer Sanat talked to Councilor Jule Fairey about the passing of Plan Change 78 and higher density housing He also had a chat with Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Marlon Drake about the 300 person mayoral forum that was hosted last week on housing and wages.
Yesterday, the New Zealand Herald released their latest “Mood of the Boardroom” survey results, based on the responses from 150 senior business leaders. And earlier this month, the Minister for Universities, Dr Shane Reti, announced a series of reforms for tertiary education. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden asked Shanan Halbert about both of these topics.
For the past month, Kiwis have been able to have their say on proposals to change our telecommunications sector. Minister for Regulation David Seymour has said that these services are “as essential as power and water” and that “changing the way the sector is regulated will affect almost every Kiwi”. Changes could include introducing a consumer code, replacing or phasing out the current obligation framework, and “getting rid of obsolete rules”. But, what does that all mean? And do enough New Zealanders know how these changes could affect our everyday lives? Today on The Front Page, tech commentator Bill Bennett is with us to dive into the recommendations, and why consumers should care about how their connectivity is regulated. 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.
TONIGHT'S GUEST HOST: Sean AcklandThe Prime Minister has ranked 15th in Cabinet in a survey of senior business leaders, who are also casting doubt on the country's economic performance. The New Zealand Herald released its latest Mood of the Boardroom which attracted 150 responses from chief executives and other leaders. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis were out of Cabinet's top 10 performers, according to the results. Luxon scored on average 2.96 out of 5 where one is "not impressive" and five is "very impressive".Mihingarangi Forbes and Mata talk with Minister of Finance Nicola Willis on the integration between the non-Māori and Māori economy and why Māori are organizing their own economic forum as they feel like the government isn't doing a good enough job for them at the moment. Also on the agenda is a conversation around why, when it's the most successful style of education in NZ, kohanga reo is not getting the same boost at mainstream schooling.Jimmy Kimmel returns to the air and talks about all of the people who have reached out over the last six days including fellow late night talk show hosts, fans of the show, and those who don't support what he believes but support his right to share those beliefs anyway, and he expresses that it was never his intention to make light of the murder of a young man, how important it is to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this, the Chairman of the FCC Brendan Carr telling an American company that “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,”“We need more leaders who are willing to be humans while they're in the job.” Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, sits down with Jon Stewart to discuss her experiences in office, which she chronicles in her memoir, “A Different Kind of Power,”=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of #BHN www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social
Thousands of senior doctors are on strike until midnight, after walking off the job yesterday. Their long-running pay dispute with Heath New Zealand continues, with doctors saying the latest offer represents a ‘real pay cut’ when recruitment and retention is critical. Meanwhile, Health Minister Simeon Brown claims they’re putting pay and politics ahead of patients, after thousands of elective procedures and appointments have been postponed. So, what will end this cycle of disputes and strikes? And how do we fix our health system that’s been in crisis for decades? Today on The Front Page, ASMS executive director Sarah Dalton is with us to break down the latest in talks, and what we can do in future. 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 clock is ticking for New Zealand to join a throng of other countries recognising the state of Palestine. Britain, Canada, and Australia have all formally recognised it, with the likes of Portugal, France and several others to follow at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned their moves, saying a Palestinian state would be a "huge reward to terrorism" and "will not happen". So, what’s holding up our government? And how might the war in Gaza unfold? Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Alexander Gillespie is with us to explain what recognition means and how it’s not as black and white as we might think. 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.
Over the past decade, New Zealand has seen dozens of community newspapers shut down, newsroom roles cut, and programmes taken off air. A new discussion paper by former NZ Herald editor-in-chief Gavin Ellis warns that these changes are creating “news deserts” — areas where communities have little to no access to local reporting. The report highlights the Far North, Taupō, South Taranaki and Central Hawke’s Bay as regions already showing signs of reduced coverage, while parts of Auckland and Wellington are also affected. The paper argues that without intervention, the impacts will become more visible during upcoming elections, with reduced scrutiny of local government and fewer reliable sources of information for voters. So how widespread is the problem, and what are the possible solutions? Today, NZ Herald editor-at-large Shayne Currie joins me to discuss what the rise of news deserts could mean for 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/Editor: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A coroner has issued a damning report after the death of 16-year-old Canterbury teenager Lizzy Marvin — saying she likely died because the government failed to act on the dangers of foam-filled furniture. Lizzy died after toxic fumes filled her Burnham home when embers from a fireplace set her family's sofa bed alight. The coroner says the blaze spread with terrifying speed because of the foam inside — a risk Fire and Emergency has warned about for years. Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale has labelled the ministry’s inaction “deplorable” and says Lizzy’s death could have been prevented. After more than a decade of warnings about foam filled furniture, found in 80% of New Zealand homes, what will it take for regulation to finally change? Today on The Front Page, NZHerald Senior Crime and Justice reporter, Anna Leask joins us to discuss the latest report. 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/Editor: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland is under pressure to make space for two million homes, and councillors have little choice in the matter. On September 24, the city’s policy and planning committee will decide whether to press ahead with the existing Plan Change 78, which allows three-storey housing across most of the city, or back a new plan that concentrates apartment blocks up to fifteen storeys around key transport hubs. Both options have sparked heated debate. From fears of flooding and towers overshadowing suburban homes, to arguments that the city desperately needs more density to tackle the housing crisis. Minister for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop has made it clear that Auckland must provide for growth, while promising locals a stronger voice in how it plays out. So, what’s really at stake for Aucklanders — and how much power does the council actually have? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter Simon Wilson joins us to break down the battle over Auckland’s housing future. 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/Editor: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shone a spotlight on political violence in the US, and around the world. The 31-year-old was shot at a Utah university last week in front of thousands of people the alleged killer is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who’s set to appear in court this week. While his motive remains unclear, the killing has sparked conversations about the widening gap between left and right politics. It’s also highlighted the deep, dark depths of the internet, and how young people can be radicalised online. Today on The Front Page, Massey University emeritus professor and sociologist Paul Spoonley is with us to dissect the inner workings of those who perpetrate political violence, and how we might be able to stop them. 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 Saturday, tens of thousands of people rallied in Auckland calling for the government to sanction Israel for their actions and violence in Gaza. While politicians across the spectrum have responded to the protests with a mix of support and disapproval, the New Zealand government is not expected to announce their official decision on the recognition of a Palestinian state until a General Assembly in New York next week. Following the government's announcement to get rid of NCEA in favour of a new system, Education Minister Erica Stanford has revealed numerous subjects to join the senior school curriculum, which will include the incorporation of generative AI. Finally, the New Zealand Herald published information last week pertaining to MP Carl Bates' failure to disclose 25 properties to Parliament, against what has been argued as a ‘breach of public trust'. Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Bates about all of these topics, starting with the pro-Palestine rally.
The All Blacks have taken a giant step backwards in a 43-10 crushing at the hands of South Africa in Wellington. It’s their worst ever defeat – shipping six tries to one after leading 10-7 at halftime. The performance has prompted questions about the team’s ability to recover and deliver consistent high-quality showings. So, what does this record-breaking display mean for the future of the All Blacks? Today on The Front Page, former All Black turned commentator Ant Strachan is with us to discuss the weekend, the consequences, and the future of the team. 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.
International campaigns, a Russian vote-tampering scandal, and an imposter taking the win, there’s one election that New Zealanders have taken very seriously. No, it doesn’t involve politicians— or even human beings. For two decades the public has pored over more than 80 native birds — and one controversial bat — to crown one Bird of the Year. The fun is meant to highlight our native fauna, and the fact that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world Today on The Front Page, Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki is here to take us through the history and future of the competition, and why we should care. 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.
There’s a new plan to re-open the Christ Church Cathedral in stages. It’s after the reinstatement of the iconic building came to a standstill last year when the project was unable to secure an extra $85 to 95 million. The new plan still comes with a funding shortfall of between $40 and 45 million. This news is just the latest in a saga that’s haunted Cantabrians since the cathedral was severely damaged in the Canterbury Earthquakes. Today on The Front Page, we hear about the latest announcement from Newstalk ZB reporter Jaime Cunningham. Then, we speak with former National MP and Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Nicky Wagner about what it was like early on, behind the curtain when those hard decisions were being made. 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.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has released a cabinet paper proposing a raft of changes to the Crimes Act. This is part of the coalition agreement with NZ First. It introduces new offences and strengthens existing ones. The proposals include a new strict liability offence for shoplifting, with a $500 infringement fee, doubling to $1,000 if the value of the stolen goods is more than $500. It would be proven simply by evidence that people, or the person, left the store with the goods, so CCTV footage, but with a reasonable excuse defence to mitigate against catching people who genuinely make a mistake, according to Goldsmith's paper. A strict liability offence means there's no requirement to prove a guilty mind. So, the offence removes the requirement to prove intent and introduces reverse onus. The burden of proof is shifted to the defendant for the ‘reasonable excuse' defence. Paul Goldsmith explained how he thought the new law would work on the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning. “It's more akin to a traffic offence. So you know, you're speeding, you get a ticket. There's no sort of debate about it really, unless you've got a reasonable excuse, and you pay the fine. And the whole purpose of it is to come up with a quick and swift way to deal with shoplifting, other than the alternative, which is to go through the whole court process. “I mean, we've got to remember we've got a real issue with retail crime with this big increase in people going around stealing stuff. We've got to do something different. Currently, you've got to go off to court, that's a very high threshold and doesn't happen enough. And so what we're introducing is a swift and effective fine as an intermediate step to deal with things and so that there is a real consequence for that level of shoplifting.” Swift and effective fine? Who the hell is going to pay it? There are concerns the new shoplifting law would come up against the Bill of Rights, which says we have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Also, within the New Zealand Herald story on this that's online, there's a whole subheading saying, what it could mean for Māori, the disabled, the neurodiverse. Paul Goldsmith says in his paper, a strict liability offence increases the risk that misinterpreting the behaviour of deaf people, or people with an intellectual or neurodisability, could result in disproportionate impacts on this group. I get if you have an intellectual disability, you might not know it's wrong. Since when were deaf people shoplifters just because they were deaf? Since when were Māori shoplifters just because they were Māori? Sure, if you have an intellectual disability, absolutely. What it could mean for Māori, the disabled, the neurodiverse... the disabled and Māori and the neurodiverse aren't typically criminal? Honestly, how is how is being deaf going to make you a shoplifter? That it's going to increase the chances of you being pinged? My concerns are far more pragmatic. Whatever your reason for stealing stuff, whether you're a kid on a dare, you're desperate and starving, you're a low-life lazy thief – who's going to pay the fine? Maybe if you're a shoplifting former Green MP with PTSD and a fine taste in clothing, you'll pay the fine. But those sorts of people are still in the minority at the moment. I know they're trying to stop the courts getting cluttered up with shoplifters and that some shoplifters are getting away scot-free because the amount they stole doesn't meet the threshold for going to court. How many shoplifters, can you imagine, are going to sit down, oh, goodness me, I've got to pay that fine before I incur any extra costs. Must sit down and process the payment. There we go, job done. Or wander down to their nearest post shop with their $500 infringement fee clutched in their hot little hand and stand in the queue and go to the counter and say, sorry, I've got to pay my fine for shoplifting. I cannot see it. How many people shoplift accidentally? That's what I would like to know. There are also ways to mitigate that. I went to the supermarket with the grandchildren yesterday, chased down a poor security officer who was minding his own business and looking for trolleys of groceries going out the door of the New World. I said, look, I'm so sorry, excuse me, so sorry. Look, my granddaughter's just got some yoghurt that she didn't eat from her school lunch and she's going to eat that while we walk around and I'm very sorry, but we didn't. Yeah, okay, lady. Please get out of my grills, is what he seemed to be saying. There are ways and ways. What, you're going to say, I'm so sorry, I forgot I put this pack of sausages down the front of my trousers? I mean, what? How do you shoplift accidentally? How do you shoplift clothing accidentally? I'd really love to know. Perhaps you do. And equating it to speeding is just silly. Most of the time when people are speeding, nobody is impacted. I accept that when things go wrong, horrific. But most of the time if people are going 5 or 10 kph over the limit on an open road with nobody around, nobody's harmed. And if you do get pinged by a speed camera, you pay, because for the most part, just about everybody, I think, has gone over the limit. I mean, I'm making a huge general assumption here and put me right if I'm wrong. Most people have gone over the limit once or twice. If you're pinged, you pay your fine and that's that. Shoplifting's a whole other thing. Every time you slide a bottle of nail polish into your pocket or walk out with a trolley full of goods, we all get impacted. Retailers, insurers, shoppers, cops, the lot. What on earth is the point of introducing a law that the lawbreakers will simply ignore? Love to hear from you on this. Have you ever accidentally put something in your bag? A $500 sweater that you, oh, forgot to pay for? Or I know, you put something in your pocket, and you forget to pay for it? I just don't see how you can do it accidentally. And when you are stealing, quite often it's an act of intent. Speeding, it's sometimes your concentration lapses. And people generally pay their speeding fines. I paid one yesterday. You pay $30 for being pinged by a speed camera. And that's okay. Got it paid before the due date. How many shoplifters are going to be doing that? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Australia, the massive manhunt continues for suspected cop killer Dezi Freeman in rural Victoria. Officers had gone to his remote property in Porepunkah with a search warrant – but were met with gunfire. Two officers died at the scene. Hundreds of officers are looking for the so-called ‘sovereign citizen’ with a hatred of authority. Police have also announced a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest. A former magistrate apparently issued a stark warning just weeks before the shooting, about the sovereign citizen movement in the country. He had told Four Corners that Governments are underestimating the reach and threats of these movements”. So, how do countries deal with growing sects of anti-government conspiracy theorists? And what should New Zealand learn from the tragic events in Porepunkah? Today on The Front Page, University of Otago associate professor Stephen Young is with us to discuss these fringe groups, and how we might deal with them in future. 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 being urged to create a new ministerial portfolio to focus on organised crime. It’s the “number one” threat to our national security, and as such, there should be a Government Minister put in charge of tackling it – That's according to a report from experts advising the coalition. In recent years, there have been record busts at the border, as global crime syndicates – including Mexican cartels and outlaw bikie gangs – have targeted New Zealand as a small, but lucrative, market. So, why are we losing the fight against drugs and organised crime? And what can be done to give us a better shot at tackling the issue? Today on The Front Page, the advisory group’s chairman, and Meridith Connell criminal prosecutor Steve Symon is with us to discuss how New Zealand might appoint a Minister of Mafias. 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.
In the early hours of Monday morning, a man police were hunting for nearly four years was shot and killed in a stand-off on a rural Waikato road. That man was Tom Phillips, who in December 2021 vanished into the Marokopa bush with his three children, Jayda, Maverick, and Ember. There have been numerous sightings over the years of the fugitive father - the last was in August when he and another person believed to be one of his children, were seen on CCTV breaking into a Piopio superette. The Front Page travelled to the King Country and spoke to Waitomo District Mayor John Robertson about how the community has fared and what we can learn from the ordeal. 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.
China recently rolled out the red carpet to some of the world’s most controversial leaders – in a massive display of military might. It was all laughs, hugs and hand holding amongst the likes of Russia’s Vladamir Putin, India’s Narendra Modi, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, and China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing. The carefully choreographed summit was designed to showcase Xi’s vision of a new world order, a challenge to the west – a reset in global rules. But, what does this very public display of affection mean? And does it spell trouble for the Indo-Pacific? Today on The Front Page, Waikato University international law professor, Al Gillespie, is with us to unpack these relationships – and what it could mean for our part of the globe. 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 Zealanders will finally get to experience the labyrinth that is an IKEA store from December 4. The new Sylvia Park site in Auckland is one of the company’s largest in the Southern Hemisphere – about the size of three rugby fields. There’ll be thousands of products available online and in store, and yes, they will be serving up their famous Swedish meatballs in a 426-seat cafeteria. So, why do we get so excited about international brands setting up on our shores? And, is there enough appetite for IKEA to succeed where others haven’t? Today on The Front Page, Quantum Jump CEO and marketing expert Ben Goodale is with us to explain the hype around one of the world’s leading retailers coming to our shores. 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.
Police interviewing techniques have been a controversial topic here and around the globe. There have been countless, high-profile cases where someone has been convicted but later exonerated – and their interrogations questioned. In New Zealand, Teina Pora was wrongfully convicted of murder and rape largely based on a confession given during a lengthy police interview. And more recently, Harry Matchitt had his manslaughter conviction quashed after a so-called “false confession”. He spent three years behind bars, and is now seeking $600,000 in compensation. So, why do people confess to things they didn’t do? Today on The Front Page, Forensic Psychologist Ghazi Metoui joins us to discuss the psychology behind police interviews. 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.
More than 36-thousand Nurses' Organisation members nationwide went on strike yesterday, and they will walk off the job again tomorrow. Health New Zealand says the action could disrupt treatment, services and care over the entire week - especially for patients with non-urgent needs. It’s while the Health Minister, Simeon Brown, has criticised the strikes – saying they’ll disrupt more than 13,000 surgeries and appointments. All this, after a year of deadlocked negotiations between the union and Health NZ. Today on The Front Page, union delegate and health care assistant at Christchurch Hospital, Al Dietschin will tell us what it’s like on the ground, and at the picket line. 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.
As many as one in five Kiwi youth, aged between 15 and 24, have experienced anxiety or depression at some point in their lives. The 2022/23 New Zealand Health Survey found that of those young people experiencing high mental health needs, 77% can’t access support when they need it. So, with services experiencing this kind of unprecedented demand, what if there was another solution? What if, teens turned to AI for mental health support? It’s a growing trend among youth in the US, 72% of teens there admit they’ve used AI chatbots as companions. Nearly one in eight said they had sought emotional or mental health support from them. But, is the advice their AI therapists are giving helpful, or harmful? Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has acknowledged that the risks “need to be managed, particularly around safety from a clinical perspective.” Today on The Front Page, RAND senior policy researcher Ryan McBain takes us through the worrying trend sweeping America. 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 Yee SUICIDE AND DEPRESSIONWhere to get help: Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7) Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) Youth services: (06) 3555 906 Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm) Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053. Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737 If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is known for unapologetically fighting for the rights of Māori. The co-leader of Te Pati Māori never shies away from speaking her mind -- especially when it comes to social and climate justice. Since becoming co-leader in 2020, and MP for Te Tai Hauauru at the last election, she’s been suspended from Parliament and criticised the coalition’s “intent to dismantle indigenous rights”. At the last election, the party won six electorate seats – its best result yet. So, Today on The Front Page, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is with us to take us through how the party’s gearing up for Election 2026 and how they’ll appeal to the masses – or, if they even want to? 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.
20 years on, and the devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina is still being felt. The category three hurricane made landfall on August 29, 2005 devastating parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama – with New Orleans suffering catastrophic flooding due to levee failures. About 80% of the city was inundated with water, and while a mandatory evacuation order was made just one day before landfall, many people – up to 150,000 – did not or simply could not leave. The official death toll is believed to be nearly 1,400. University of Albany professor of political science, Eric Stern, is with us to examine some of the painful lessons learned from Katrina. Then, later we speak to Dr Lauren Vinnell, Massey University Senior Lecturer of Emergency Management, about how New Zealand’s systems have evolved over the years. 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.
US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his ‘close relationship’ with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. In a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, he said he hopes to meet with Kim later this year, saying “I look forward to seeing him... we got along great.” Meanwhile, in an unusual move, Kim has recently released a highly emotive video of a ceremony for fallen soldiers in Pyongyang who died fighting for Russia. So, what is Kim’s game plan here? And should New Zealand proceed if talks turn sour? Today on The Front Page, International Relations professor Robert Patman is with us to unpack the latest. 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 group of concussion researchers have likened Run It Straight events to “dwarf tossing”, where organisers turn “real human risk and harm into a spectacle”. There are growing calls to ban these events – where two people tun head-to-head at each other before making body-jarring contact. These ‘sporting spectacles’ have gained popularity in recent times – with competitors promised thousands of dollars for winning. The social media driven craze made international headlines earlier this year when 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died after suffering head injuries in an impromptu contest with friends. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald reporter Neil Reid is with us to take us through the latest on the world’s newest full-contact competition. 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.
There’s been a leadership shakeup at the Royal NZ Police college, after a recruit debacle. It’s while a newly released survey of training officers has found two thirds were concerned about probationary cops’ understanding of police responsibilities when holding suspects in custody. It also found 55% feel new cops were ‘barely or not at all’ well equipped with knowledge of arrest and charge procedures. All of this while the government is slowly backing away from its hardline promise of 500 new cops on the beat by November. NZ Herald senior investigative reporter, Michael Morrah has been looking into the police recruitment process, and 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 illegal tobacco trade has become a very lucrative business worldwide. In Australia for example, illegal, excise-evading cigarettes now comprise of half of the products sold to the country’s 2.7 million smokers, according to the ABC. It’s thought the $10 billion a year in revenue there is going straight into the pockets of organised crime. But, has this trend made it to New Zealand shores? And how much of a headache is it causing those protecting our borders? Today on The Front Page, head of Fraud and Prohibition, Chief Customs Officer Nigel Barnes, is with us to discuss how they’re cracking down on illegal tobacco. 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.
Marsden Point operated as New Zealand’s only oil refinery for nearly 60 years. At its peak in the 80s, it employed around 1700 people – when it was closed in 2022, nearly 240 lost their jobs. Run by Channel Infrastructure, the site now operates as NZ’s largest fuels import terminal storing and distributing 40% of the country’s fuel. In recent weeks, a slew of Ministers have visited the site, with NZ First in particular floating the idea of introducing our first Special Economic Zone to help pump investment into the site, and life into the Northland economy. Massey University Professor Emeritus Sustainable Energy and Climate Mitigation, Ralph Sims, joins us to discuss the site’s potential. Later, Channel Infrastructure CEO Rob Buchanan takes us through the future of Marsden Point. 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 Blues are poised to head across town to Mount Smart for two Super Rugby games next year. The New Zealand Herald reports the Blues are still planning to play most of their games at their usual Eden Park base, but are looking closely across town. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The race is on for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election – sparked by the death of Te Pati Maori MP, Takutai Tarsh Kemp. The Māori electorate covers central and southern Auckland areas, from the Waitakere Ranges to Bucklands Beach and Waiheke Island. Voting begins today for overseas voters, advance voting opens on August 25, and election day is set for September 6. Today on The Front Page, Victoria University of Wellington associate professor Lara Greaves is with us to give us a rundown of what you need to know about this sought-after seat. 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 Blues are poised to head across town to Mount Smart for two Super Rugby games next year. The New Zealand Herald reports the Blues are still planning to play most of their games at their usual Eden Park base, but are looking closely across town. NZ Herald sports journalist Michael Burgess joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealanders are well on their way to a collective $1 trillion in debt. At the current rate of growth, we’ll hit that landmark inside the next three years. Current gross debt sits at more than 870 billion for the year to May. At the same time, five years after Covid hit and the Government is still paying the price. Core Crown borrowings rose 11% in a year, hitting $239 billion—that's 156% higher than in May 2019. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann joins us to delve into our Nation of Debt. 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.
Since entering Parliament 10 years ago, Mārama Davidson has become a co-leader, been appointed a Minister, and has helped the Greens reach its largest-ever caucus. She’s always been a staunch advocate for children, so it comes as no surprise that last week, the Green Party launched an open letter calling on the Minister of Children to adopt seven promises to children in state care, so “no more tamariki fall into harm”. One of those promises is to make it a requirement that Oranga Tamariki give rangatahi leaving care the support they need to find suitable accommodation. Marama Davidson joins us to discuss what more we need to do to make sure every child growing up in this country has a fighting chance. Later, we’ll speak to 19 year old, Ihorangi Reweti-Peters about his experience in the care system, and the challenges he faced. 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 countdown to the Putin-Trump summit is on. The two leaders are due to meet in Alaska to discuss what peace could look like in Ukraine, more than three and a half years after Russia’s invasion. While Trump has spoken to Ukraine’s Volodymir Zelenskyy ahead of the meeting, European capitals remain apprehensive that a resolution will come from it, and are rallying behind Kyiv. So, is this latest development in fact, a development at all? Or just posturing by two men desperate to be seen to be doing something. Today on The Front Page, Kiwi journalist Thomas Mutch joins us from Ukraine to take us through the latest on the frontlines, and behind the scenes. 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 Zealand citizen and her son have been detained by ICE in the US. Sarah Shaw and her six-year-old son were detained at the Canadian border after she drove her two eldest children to a Vancouver airport for a flight to New Zealand to visit their grandparents. The pair are currently sitting in a detention facility in Texas. They are two of tens of thousands of people who are currently being detained by the agency – most do not have criminal convictions and are classified as being no threat to society. Today on The Front Page, American immigration lawyer Minda Thorward who is representing the Kiwi being detained and is with us to discuss the case and the wider issues around US immigration. 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.
Commentators are telling us that the tide is turning, that we've reached the bottom of the cycle. ANZ has lowered its mortgage interest rates, so other banks will surely follow suit, bringing relief to many households. Spring is almost here. And then the rates bill arrives in the mail. Any financial gains are immediately lost, any lift of the spirits plummets. The Government is well aware that rising rates are adding to the economic doom and gloom. They put councils on notice last year to deliver value for money and promised to name and shame councils who were profligate spenders. They called it a table of spending, we call it naming and shaming. The report is designed to hold councils accountable on six metrics: Rates – the change in rates since the previous year and the forecast change in rates over the next 10 years. Council debt Capital expenditure, including a breakdown by activity class such as roading and water services. Balanced budget – to show whether the Council is actually coping with the rates that come in with the money it has or having to borrow to sustain itself. Road conditions – so ratepayers can compare the state of their local roads with councils across the country. Local Government Minister Simon Watts says communities can now compare how much their council spends on core essentials like infrastructure and see whether their rates are going up more than average. We have been clear, says Simon Watts, that we want to see councils get back to basics, focusing on delivering essential services and infrastructure, improving local decision making, and supporting their communities through the cost of living, not adding to it. He's also introducing a bill to remove four well-being provisions: social, economic, environmental, and cultural. They were reintroduced by Labour in 2019 after being removed by the previous National government in 2012, who removed them after Labour introduced them in 2002. So there's been a bit of political ping pong going on there. It will also impose a requirement on councils to prioritise core services when managing finances and setting rates. The threat of a rates cap too is ever present. If you don't stop increasing rates, then we will put a cap on you, the central government has said to local, so that you can't just hoick up the rates to pay your bills. Simon Watts points to rates caps in NSW and Victoria and says the same could happen here. I'm not sure that is the answer, not without accepting a massive loss in services, but how on Earth do you manage to budget when your rates rise well beyond inflation? What options do you have? There's a story in today's New Zealand Herald of a rates rise of 72% for one family in Orewa. That's because they're living on land that's ripe for development, except, of course it's not, because WaterCare is not issuing any resource consents, because there simply isn't the infrastructure to sustain any more development. So they're facing a huge hike in their rates because of the value of the land, but the value of the land can't be realised. So how on Earth do you cope with the 72% rise in rates? How do you manage? Do you sell the property because you simply can't afford the rates? Do you apply for rates relief? Do you just not pay it? For a long time, those who have bothered to vote in local body elections have voted for councillors who promise there'll be no rates rises, which means that a lot of the work that councils are doing has been delayed. They haven't had the money because homeowners, ratepayers, have elected councillors that have promised there will be no rates rises. But all that's doing is delaying the inevitable. In part, we have brought this on ourselves. You vote for people who aren't going to increase rates, you don't bother to vote. You don't bother to stand for council. When I say you, I mean we. So in part, we've brought this on ourselves. And because there haven't been the cheques and balances to monitor the spending, irresponsible councils have been able to do exactly as they wish - vanity projects wasteful spending. And those within the infrastructure of Council too have spent like drunken sailors. I would very much like to hear from those of you who have received your rates bill. Around the country, we've seen massive increases. Are you getting value for money from your Council? And what on Earth can you do about it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simon Wilson is a senior writer with the New Zealand Herald.
On September 19th, 2008, an email was sent from one executive of Plus SMS to another, relaying the message, “put a bullet in…Chris,” referring to the company's then-CEO, Christopher Robert Tiensch. The company was under investigation and was in trouble due to the deception of shareholders and self-inflation of stocks, and Christopher Tiensch had blown the whistle on the entire thing. On Thursday, September 15th, 2011, Christopher was found floating in the Gulf of Mexico, shot to death.If you have any information about the homicide of Christopher Tiensch, please contact the Port Aransas police department at 361-749-6241 or Texas Crime stoppers at 713-222-TIPS, that's 713-222-8477, where you can remain completely anonymous.You can support gone cold and listen to the show ad-free at patreon.com/gonecoldpodcastFind us at https://www.gonecold.comFor Gone Cold merch, visit https://gonecold.dashery.comFollow gone cold on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and X. Search @gonecoldpodcast at all or just click linknbio.com/gonecoldpodcastThe Port Aransas South Jetty, The Austin America-Statesmen, The Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, The New Zealand Herald, and Stuff.co.nz were used as sources for this episode. #JusticeForChrisTiensch #TX #Texas #TrueCrime #TexasTrueCrime #ColdCase #Abduction #Kidnapping #1984 #TrueCrimePodcast #Podcast #ColdCase #Unsolved #Murder #UnsolvedMurder #HateCrime #UnsolvedMysteries #Homicide #CrimeStories #PodcastRecommendations #CrimeJunkie #MysteryPodcast #TrueCrimeObsessed #CrimeDocs #InvestigationDiscovery #PodcastAddict #TrueCrimeFan #CriminalJustice #ForensicFilesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gone-cold-texas-true-crime--3203003/support.
In today's episode, according to results out on Wednesday morning, the left bloc would have enough support to govern, the Privacy Commissioner says facial recognition technology in North Island supermarkets has potential safety benefits, despite raising significant privacy concerns, after a shareholders meeting on Tuesday media company NZME - which owns the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB - has a revamped board and an historic ship at the Paihia waterfront in Northland has been 90 percent destroyed by fire.
After a shareholders meeting on Tuesday media company NZME - which owns the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB - has a revamped board. Former editor of the New Zealand Herald and media commentator Gavin Ellis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Inflation is on the up. New Zealand Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann is with Mihi to unpack what that means.