Podcasts about The New Zealand Herald

Inflation has hit 4.1% - the highest level in more than two years. Economists had expected it surge to somewhere between 3.9 and 4.1 percent. However, the end result is well below some previous forecasts, which reached 4.9%. If we ignored the surging fuel prices, Westpac economists reckon inflation would be about 2.8 percent. So what does this actually mean for the cost of living, for interest rates, and for the story of the New Zealand economy in 2026? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to unpack how we got to 4.1%, what’s really driving the numbers, and what comes next for households, businesses, and the path back to stable prices. 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 idea of a celebrity running for office is nothing new. All over the world, ex TV stars, movie icons, and comedians try their hand at a new role: politician. This week, Election 2026 has been rocked by the announcement that ex-broadcaster Paul Henry will be entering the fray – running for the Act Party. There have been countless headlines, interviews, and analysis since the surprise move. But, is it that surprising? Why do we get so swept up in name recognition and does it ever really work out well? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths is with us to explain how much star power really matters at the ballot box, whether high‑profile names actually change votes, and what history can tell us about how this latest twist might play out. 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.

H5N1 bird flu has landed in New Zealand. The positive result from a brown skua found at Wellington’s Petone Beach is the country’s first case of the strain. For months, officials, farmers, and DOC workers have been bracing for this moment, trying to protect our wildlife from a virus that’s already devastated birds around the world. We’ve been one of the last places on Earth untouched by H5N1. That’s no longer true. So, how likely is it to spread, which animals are at risk, and should anyone be worried about their own safety? Today on The Front Page, University of Otago virologist Professor Jemma Geoghegan is with us to unpack what this means for our wildlife, our poultry sector, and the risk to people. 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.

Ex broadcaster Paul Henry is running for Act in the upcoming election. He stood for National in 1999 but is best known for hosting TVNZ's Breakfast in the mid-2000s. Henry’s long media career has been marked by a string of public controversies, many of which have led to him being criticised for his offensive and inflammatory remarks. So, with Act stagnant in polls - will this colourful personality be the party’s secret weapon or agent of chaos – or both? Today on The Front Page, Paul Henry joins us to discuss why politics, why now, and 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.

Don’t you think it’s time for New Zealand to have more supermarket options? The Government's announced a new guide for international chains wanting to set up shop here. It’s all in the hope of luring overseas investors to break up our duopoly grocery sector. Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has said the guidelines are like rolling out a red carpet for those looking here to invest – but, the question is, will anyone actually want to walk it? Today on The Front Page, Grocery Action Group chair Sue Chetwin is with us to explain why the option and ownership problems go deeper than new rules, and whether this could really change what’s on Kiwi dinner tables. 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 United States has unleashed its biggest round of strikes on Iran in weeks. The US has said it struck about 140 Iranian military sites – which prompted Tehran to attack allies in the region, including Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar. Meanwhile, Washington insists that the Strait of Hormuz is open, despite Iran saying it has closed the waterway amid renewed strikes. Today on The Front Page, Waikato University international law professor Alexander Gillespie is with us to break down the legality of these strikes, the risks of further escalation, 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.

This week, New Zealand will host Narendra Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit this country in four decades. It should be a major diplomatic and economic moment, coming as the India free trade agreement edges closer to ratification and the Government celebrates early signs of export growth. But behind the diplomatic spectacle, political tensions are still bubbling away. Foreign Minister Winston Peters- who will absent from the weekend’s events- has been openly critical of the deal, accusing National of quietly tightening immigration settings linked to it without proper transparency. So, is this a genuine breakthrough in one of New Zealand’s most significant relationships — or is the politics around the deal threatening to muddy the moment? Today on The Front Page, India New Zealand Business Council chair Edwin Paul is with us to unpack Modi’s visit, what the trade deal could actually mean for New Zealand, and whether the political noise risks overshadowing a historic opportunity. 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.

Labour has unveiled its pitch to make power bills cheaper. If elected, the party’s promising subsidies of up to $3000 to low-and-middle-income households so they can install solar panels. The party is also promising two Government-backed low-interest loan schemes for home energy upgrades, alongside rule changes that would let renters install plug-in solar too. If that sounds familiar, it’s because National rolled out its own solar policy just a few weeks ago. So what, exactly, sets Labour’s plan apart? And will it actually make a meaningful dent in household power bills? Today on The Front Page, Labour leader Chris Hipkins is with us to explain how it would all work. 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.

All eyes are on the Reserve Bank this week, as it prepares to make its latest call on the Official Cash Rate. Just weeks ago, a hike looked likely. But as Wednesday’s announcement approaches, that once-simple story has become a lot more complicated. Fuel prices have fallen, inflation fears have softened, and economists are now sharply divided on whether the Bank should move at all. So what changed? And what does this moment reveal about the balancing act the Reserve Bank is trying to pull off? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to talk through the OCR call, the growing uncertainty around it, and what comes next for borrowers, businesses, and the economy. 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.

National has unveiled an ambitious new trade pitch, promising to pursue New Zealand’s “next billion customers”. The party says it’s all part of a plan to grow exports, create jobs and boost incomes, with a long-term goal of doubling export value by 2034. Supporters say that is the kind of ambition a small trading nation needs. Sceptics say the policy may be trying to do too much at once. Today on The Front Page, BusinessDesk Senior Correspondent Dileepa Fonseka joins us to dig into the policy, the politics, and what it could actually mean for the New Zealand economy. 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.

This week on The Sunday Panel, host of The Prosperity Project podcast, Nadine Higgins, and Coast's Lorna Riley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Liam Dann from the New Zealand Herald says we need compulsory KiwiSaver and National and Labour have to work together to devise a bipartisan solution. What do we make of this? Is making KiwiSaver compulsory an issue for those on lower incomes? How can we get better at saving money? The All Blacks had their first match in Christchurch's new One NZ Stadium. What did we think of this? How cool did the stadium look? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Dotcom has spent more than a decade at the centre of one of New Zealand’s most high-profile legal and political sagas. From the dramatic FBI-backed raid on his Coatesville mansion in 2012, to the long-running fight over extradition to the United States... The former Megaupload mogul is never far from the headlines. Now, with fresh developments putting Dotcom back in the spotlight, the big question is no longer just what’s happened, but what comes next. Is this the beginning of the end of a years-long legal battle, or is there still another twist to come? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer David Fisher joins us to help us make sense of the latest twist in the Kim Dotcom saga, why this case has lasted so long, and what could happen 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.

El Niño is back and scientists say it could become one of the strongest we’ve ever had to deal with. That means the weather patterns shaping our spring and summer may be about to shift in a big way. But El Niño can also be one of those phrases we hear a lot without always fully understanding what it actually means or how seriously we should take it when scientists start sounding the alarm. So, what is happening in the Pacific right now, why does it matter so much for us here in New Zealand, and how worried should we be about what’s coming? Today on The Front Page, Earth Sciences New Zealand principal scientist Chris Brandolino is with us to explain what’s driving this El Niño event, what it could mean for New Zealand in the months 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.

New Zealand’s hospitality scene feels like it’s at a crossroads. On one hand, cafés, bars and restaurants are battling a brutal mix of rising costs, mounting debts and changing consumer habits. Venues are closing, owners are exhausted, and many are wondering how much longer they can hang on. On the other, Aotearoa has just taken a historic step onto the global culinary stage, with the launch of its first ever Michelin Guide and Kiwi restaurants receiving coveted stars. It’s a moment that could reshape tourism, attract high‑value visitors, and shine a new spotlight on the talent in our kitchens. Today on The Front Page, Hospitality NZ’s Kristy Phillips is with us to talk about how tough things really are, what the Michelin Guide could mean for the sector, and whether there is genuine light at the end of the tunnel for New Zealand hospitality. 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.

Fuel prices are one of those costs that almost everyone notices immediately. When they rise, households feel it, businesses feel it, and suddenly a number on the forecourt becomes a national talking point. The average price of petrol has dipped under $3 for the first time in more than three months as a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran holds. If the price stays below $3 for four consecutive weeks, the Government’s fuel support package aimed at 143,000 low-to-middle income families will end. They’re currently getting $50 a week through a boost to the in-work tax credit. But, how low will prices go? And how likely is it that prices will soar again? Today on The Front Page, AA fuel spokesperson Terry Collins is with us to unpack how fuel prices in New Zealand actually work, what’s driving them right now, and whether the current reprieve could last. 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.

Benefits, boosting apprenticeships, and the coalition headache already looming over Election 2026. Both Labour and Act kickstarted their campaigns at the weekend. David Seymour wants a much tougher welfare system. Chris Hipkins wants to bolster a Covid-era trade scheme. Meanwhile, National’s questioning its coalition partners’ intentions, with Christopher Luxon not “100% sure” about whether they can take Winston Peters’ word he won’t work with Labour. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan is with us to break down the weekend’s big political moves, and what they might mean for the campaign 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.

The New Zealand Police has been rocked by an investigation into the country’s top cop. An inquiry’s underway into complaints against Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. He is strongly denying the claims. But, it comes at a time when trust and confidence in police is on shaky ground already. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah is with us to take us through how we got here, and 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.

Could now be the time to see a new party in Government? Better yet, is it time to see a new Kingmaker? The Opportunity Party is nearing the 5% threshold to get into Parliament for the first time in its 10-year history. At the centre of that pitch is a bold Tax Reset policy: a universal Citizens Income, a Land Value Tax, and a major rethink of retirement savings. But the real question now is whether voters are genuinely ready to send Opportunity to Wellington, or whether this is another polling bump that will fade before election day. Today on The Front Page, Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong is with us to talk about the party’s momentum, the policies driving it, and whether this is finally the year TOP crosses the line into Parliament. 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.

Misleading information, unanswered questions, and more than $30 million down the drain and nothing to show for it. You may have heard about immigration officials being in hot water lately over scrapping an IT upgrade and apparently obscuring information relating to the project’s cost blowouts. Even the Prime Minister has admitted his confidence in the public service has taken a knock over the debacle. So, what exactly happened? How could it happen? And how do we make sure public money isn’t squandered on stupid projects? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse is with us to take us through what has happened, and where to from here. 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.

Tourism is booming again, but who should pay for the pressure that comes with it? A powerful alliance of mayors and tourism leaders is pushing for a nationwide accommodation levy, or bed tax. They argue tourists should help fund the roads, rubbish collection, public facilities and major events that keep our biggest destinations running. Supporters say it’s a common-sense user-pays model, one that would take pressure off local ratepayers. But critics say it’s just another tax, one that could make New Zealand more expensive and harder to compete as a travel destination. So why is this idea back on the table now? Why has it failed to get across the line before? And if a levy does happen, who pays, who collects it, and where should the money go? Today on The Front Page, Regional Tourism New Zealand chair Andrew Wilson is with us to discuss the growing push for an accommodation levy. 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 last week we've seen house prices slumping in what could be the biggest property reset in decades, while petrol prices may also be set to come down. Liam Dann is the Business Editor at Large for the New Zealand Herald. He talks to Mihingarangi about the latest data trends.

The Super Rugby Pacific final is here, and the excitement is already at fever pitch. Tickets for the decider on Saturday sold out in just 15 minutes, as the Hurricanes and Chiefs prepare to meet in Wellington in what shapes as one of the biggest rugby nights of the year. So what makes this matchup so compelling? Which team has the edge, which players could define the contest, and what does the huge demand for tickets say about the state of rugby in New Zealand right now? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Rugby Direct podcast co-hosts the Herald’s Liam Napier and NewstalkZB’s Elliott Smith to break down the final, the key storylines, and why this game has captured so much attention. 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.

Shane Jones’ controversial fisheries reform has been abandoned – for now. The Oceans and Fisheries Minister told a select committee today that his “much-loved bill” would not be progressed in this term of government. The Fisheries Amendment Bill had caused division within the coalition... changes to minimum legal-size limits for commercial fishing operators had to be walked back. Other changes included plans to block the public from obtaining footage of fish dumping under the OIA. Meanwhile, Jones has revealed that two orca were found dead as bycatch – the first recorded deaths of orcas in set nets in New Zealand. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah 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.

For years, New Zealand has spent big on infrastructure without always getting the results to match. Now, the Government's vowing to change that. It’s supporting all 16 recommendations in the Infrastructure Commission's National Plan – a blueprint for how the country plans, funds, and delivers the things we all rely on. The 30-year plan includes a review of the Land Transport Fund and requires Crown entities to publish long-term investment plans. Labour and the Greens are also backing it -- but the question remains whether this is the beginning of real reform, or just another ambitious plan on paper. Today on The Front Page, Infrastructure NZ Chief Executive Nick Leggett joins us to discuss what it all means. 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.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis fronted a press conference on Sunday, complete with a black dossier labelled Labour's Hidden Bill, accusing the opposition of leaving an $18 billion funding gap in its plans. Since then, independent economists have also questioned Labour’s figures around their recently announced fare cap policy, saying the numbers don’t quite stack up. Labour says the attack is a distraction while National says voters deserve answers. But beyond the numbers themselves, does this tell us something about how both major parties plan to fight the election campaign? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford joins us to unpack the battle over Labour's alleged hidden costs and what it reveals about the state of Election 2026. 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.

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley feels their Football World Cup opener proves they're capable of achieving their goal of getting our of their group. 82nd-ranked New Zealand have drawn 2-all with world number 23 Iran in Los Angeles. Michael Burgess is a senior sport journalist with the New Zealand Herald who was on the ground in LA, and he joined Nick to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says the United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement, with a formal signing ceremony expected later this week. The announcement follows weeks of negotiations and comes in the wake of an Israeli strike on Beirut that reportedly disrupted the process at the last minute. If the agreement holds, it could reshape relations across the Middle East and have implications for everything from regional security to global oil markets. Today on The Front Page, Robert Patman - professor of international politics at Otago University - joins us to discuss what the deal means and how durable it’s likely to be in reality. 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 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.

It was big news yesterday that New Zealand Rugby managed to secure the signature of attacking coach maestro Tony Brown from the Springboks for two years post the Rugby World Cup. However, it marks a shift in the mindset of NZR, as typically it is the head coach who selects their coaching group. Is the call to bring on Tony Brown so early the right move? Gregor Paul is a rugby writer for the New Zealand Herald, he joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee 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.

This week on The Netty Life, we head across the ditch to catch up with sports journalist and Silver Ferns reporter Nathan Limm from the New Zealand Herald as the ANZ Premiership nears the finals. Nathan updates us on the teams to beat in the competition, how the Aussie imports are faring and shares his predictions on how the world number two ranked side will go at the Commonwealth Games.

Joining Jesse to explain the decision OVER Richie Mo'unga is New Zealand Herald rugby analyst Gregor Paul.

Home schooling is in the headlines today after the New Zealand Herald revealed that the Ministry of Education granted Marokopa father Tom Phillips permission to homeschool his three children before the family disappeared in 2021. What surprised us was that it seems no ministry officials visited Phillips to assess his suitability, or what the children were learning, that's after regular in-person reviews of homeschooling households were scaled back in 2010. So this afternoon, we wanted to take a closer look at how homeschooling works in New Zealand. Todd Roughton is a former principal who left the mainstream education system to homeschool his four children. He's now the Principal Emeritus of Home Schooling New Zealand.  [picture id="4MTAVAN_copyright_image_230834" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

So, I'm fascinated by this article in the New Zealand Herald, which argues the All Blacks should be forced to give up business class and travel premium economy instead. The reasoning is the cost of international travel has become so expensive that moving our teams in black around the planet is now costing nearly $87 million a year. Dropping them back a class on the plane would bring that cost down to $80 million a year and nearly wipe out the $7 million loss that New Zealand Rugby just reported for the financial year, which is great maths. But the idea is ridiculous, isn't it? I mean, you can't ask a two-metre-tall man like Fabian Holland to move down from business class. But even the shorter guys - you can't ask them to travel to South Africa in a few weeks, which is literally on the other side of the world. It's close to a full day's travel, even on the most direct route through Perth, and then expect them to get over their jet lag and start playing top-level rugby against the best team in the world. You're asking them to do all of that after they've been sitting upright on a plane for the entire flight. That's impossible. We sometimes disparage rugby as not being a “real job” when we say things like, “Oh, it's not that hard to throw a ball around a paddock,” which may be true - but it's still a job, isn't it? And when you're asking someone to fly that distance for work - not just once but multiple times in a season - it should be in business class. Now, there is an argument about how many people go on these trips and I'm happy to have that conversation. There are apparently more than 40 players and nearly 30 staff heading to South Africa in a few weeks' time, which seems excessive for a game that only requires 15 men on the field at any one time. And by the way, it's not just the All Blacks who do this - who take these enormous squads around the world and put them in business class. It's also the Black Ferns and the Sevens teams. But as for the idea of dropping these players down a class on the plane to bring them down a peg and save some money - I suspect there are people who will look at this and think it's a great idea. And that's the part that fascinates me. How many people out there like the idea that our best rugby players should be forced to sit further down the plane, just like the rest of us? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly appointed New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster has doubled down on the organisation's eligibility policy, confirming returning first five-eighth Richie Mo'unga will not be selected for the All Blacks' initial squads for the July series or the tour to South Africa. Mo'unga has signed an 18-month contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to return home after spending the past three years with Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan. The deal begins in July and runs through until the end of next year's Rugby World Cup. The timing of the contract means the 31-year-old must first play for Canterbury in the NPC before becoming eligible for All Blacks selection again in October. The NPC season kicks off in late July. That means Mo'unga would miss the three tests in New Zealand against France, Italy and Ireland before the team heads to South Africa for a four-test tour, which also features midweek matches against provincial sides. Lancaster said NZR had discussed Mo'unga's situation internally but had not asked the board to relax the rules at the recent AGM, which require overseas-based players returning to New Zealand to play domestically before becoming eligible for the All Blacks. Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Jason Pine on Weekend Sport, Lancaster reaffirmed the current policy remained the best long-term option for NZR. “This is something we regularly revisit with the board,” Lancaster said. “It's a relevant thing for our board as governors of the game to regularly consider and reflect on. “We haven't asked the board to relax that policy around Richie. We think the policy works for us. It keeps our best players in New Zealand playing in our competitions. “We've got some world-class players in the same position, and a number of those have committed to stay in New Zealand and play on the basis of the policy. We've got to think about the implications of the policy and relaxing the policy at any point in time.” The same rules also apply to Shannon Frizell, who is currently playing alongside Mo'unga at Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, but is set to return to New Zealand at the end of the Japan season to link up with Tasman. Lancaster said All Blacks coach Dave Rennie wanted Mo'unga available for selection, although he had not formally requested an exemption. When Rennie was announced as All Blacks coach in March, he was asked about the overseas selection policy and said he would love to have former All Blacks lock and test centurion Brodie Retallick available for his squad. New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie wanted wanted Mo'unga available for selection. Photo / Dean Purcell Retallick plays for Rennie's club in Japan, the Kobe Kobelco Steelers. “Dave's very clear, he would like Richie to be available for selection because his job is to ultimately win the World Cup next year and he wants the best talent available to the All Blacks,” Lancaster said. “That's a really healthy tension for us to have, where we've got a coach who rightly has a focus on winning today and tomorrow, and then we've got ourselves as the administrators of the game who have to have a systems lens and a medium to long-term lens on what's best for the game.” While the current policy means Mo'unga will miss the initial squads for both campaigns, Lancaster said he could become available for the latter stages of the South Africa tour if injury strikes in the All Blacks squad, similar to what happened with Leicester Fainga'anuku last year. “Once Richie's back in New Zealand and playing and if we do have injuries, then potentially he could be eligible,” Lancaster said. Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 8 May, 2026, Winston Peters insists he won't support efforts by the National Party to raise the retirement age. We talk to one of the women who's accused Sir Rod Drury of inappropriate conduct about him handing back his New Zealander of the Year award. The New Zealand Herald's media insider Shayne Currie on who should succeed Maiki Sherman as TVNZ's political editor. And on the Sports Huddle, Adam Cooper and Paul Allison discuss Luke Metcalf's future with the Warriors. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins has two weeks left as an MP and she's given an exit interview to Audrey Young at the New Zealand Herald in which she says people don't like strong women - obviously referring to herself. Now, I don't disagree with Judith that she is a strong woman. She's formidable. But I do disagree with her that people don't like strong women, because what is Helen Clark if not a strong woman? So strong, they used to say that the softest part of her was her teeth - and yet she was elected and re-elected by the New Zealand public three times. That's more than Jacinda Ardern achieved and Jacinda Ardern is not what I would call a strong woman. Now, look, I realise there are too many variables to ever make a truly fair comparison across elections like that. But if you did strip everything else out, you'd look at it like this: Helen, the strong woman, won three elections, compared with Jacinda - the milder personality - who won two and only really won the second because of COVID. Judith Collins doesn't explicitly blame the fact that she's a strong woman for her poor showing at the polls when she led the National Party - what did she come in at, 24 percent or something like that? She's really referring to the fact that she copped more outrage for rolling a sitting MP for a seat in 2002 than John Key did for doing the same thing in the same year. But just for the avoidance of doubt: Judith's problem as leader of the National Party was not that she was a strong woman. In fact, that was part of her attraction at the time. The problem was that she was up against Jacinda in the COVID election, which was really a hiding to nothing - and she was doing weird things like praying in church for the cameras and making comments about fat people during the campaign. Much as I might have agreed with her, that was not a smart move. But I really wish that women like Judith would stop blaming their gender for how people react to them because more often than not it is not their gender that's the problem - it's something else. And by blaming their gender, they're avoiding being honest with themselves and honest with others about what that other thing is. More importantly - much, much more importantly - this reinforces to younger women that they're up against it simply because they're women, that being a woman, and especially being a strong woman, is somehow a problem. It is not a problem. People like strong women. Most of us have strong women for mothers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks and Wallabies are poised to meet in an Anzac Day test match next year. The New Zealand Herald reports it is now almost certain that the All Blacks will travel to Australia —likely Perth— for the Bledisloe Cup test in April. It would form part of a three-game series in 2027, while the sides will also square off in pool play at the World Cup next year. NZ Herald's Gregor Paul told Piney that for the coaching team, the match would provide a short window during Super Rugby to effectively test out where they will be playing in the World Cup ahead of time. However, he said, it does put a lot of pressure on the players to train over the summer so they're ready for Super Rugby, and then maintain their form right through to November. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the battle of two 1990s Black Caps teammates for the New Zealand Cricket chief executive job. The New Zealand Herald reports Geoff Allott and Lee Germon are the final two for the gig - vacated by Scott Weenink late last year. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s show: Talkback radio pushes Megan over the edge in a furious debate about people singing at concerts. We prank our boss by pretending an on-air F-bomb went to air… Producer Grace SUCKS at this imposter game A Dear Megan sparks outrage over a mother-in-law secretly seasoning someone else’s cooking. How the plastic bag outrage didn’t age well Ben accidentally reveals to his wife the hidden stash of ridiculous old costumes under the bed Megan finally agrees to peel the plastic off her fridge after five years!!! The Itty Bitty Hitty Committee makes the New Zealand Herald. Instagram: @THEHITSBREAKFAST Facebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & MeganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacinda Ardern is back in the news after transcripts of her behind-closed-doors testimony to the Royal Commission were published by the New Zealand Herald today. While the contents of the testimony contain few surprises, the transcript is notable as much for what it omits as for what it includes. There are no expressions of regret, no apologies, and no acknowledgment of wrongdoing - an outcome that may not shock those who followed the Government's approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The exchanges themselves are largely evasive, particularly on the issue of vaccine mandates. At one point, the Commission chair told Ardern it would be remiss not to ask whether she had divided the nation. Ardern responded by asking, “In what regard?” - a reply that struck many as disingenuous, given the scale of public opposition at the time, including prolonged protests directly outside her Beehive office. The testimony also reflects the familiar style critics associate with her leadership: lengthy explanations and abstract language. When asked whether she had regrets, Ardern responded that “regret is a curious word,” avoiding a direct answer. The timing of the transcript's release is striking. Just days earlier, a documentary about Ardern debuted on Netflix and has since attracted renewed public attention, earning an Emmy nomination and sparking fresh debate about her legacy. Conversations about the film are occurring across the country, with many viewers reporting mixed emotions after watching it. Some New Zealanders have expressed discomfort about the animosity directed toward Ardern after her resignation and her subsequent move overseas, saying the country should aspire to be more tolerant. Others argue that accountability remains a fundamental principle of public office. They note that Ardern stepped down before facing voters in the next election, declined to give public evidence to the Royal Commission, and has largely avoided direct public scrutiny since leaving office. The one form of accountability she has not escaped, critics say, has come in personal encounters with members of the public, where she has faced blunt and often hostile feedback - a factor some believe contributed to her decision to leave the country. Whether public sentiment toward Ardern would have softened had she chosen to testify openly before the Commission is impossible to know. What is clear, however, is that her private testimony has done little to change hardened views. For many observers, it reads as more of the same careful language and deflection that characterised her responses throughout the pandemic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 31 March, 2026, New Zealand Herald senior reporter David Fisher says he's amazed it took so long to quash David Tamihere's double-murder convictions. We talk to Iran's ambassador to New Zealand about Donald Trump's threat to "obliterate" his country's energy sites. A public health physician has issues with a study linking vaping to lung and oral cancer. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Phil Goff debate the Greens refusing to run a sex worker as a candidate. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once touted as a future icon of Auckland's cityscape, the Seascape Tower may now be New Zealand's first "ghost tower". Construction on the 187-metre, $300 million dollar luxury skyscraper halted in August 2024, and the owner and developer Shundi Customs has gone into receivership. So for now, the tower stands incomplete, with no future date set for completion. So what happens now? Does the tower stay there empty forever? New Zealand Herald property editor Anne Gibson has been following the developments since 2024, and she joins Jesse.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 4, 2026 is: ad hoc • AD-HOCK • adjective Ad hoc describes something that is formed or used for a special purpose, or that is made or done without planning because of an immediate need. // An ad hoc committee was formed to investigate the matter. // The company will hire more staff on an ad hoc basis. See the entry > Examples: "At the centre of the plan were tools designed to help governments and councils move beyond ad hoc responses to extreme weather." — Kirsty Johnston, The New Zealand Herald, 31 Jan. 2026 Did you know? In Latin ad hoc literally means "for this," and in English the term describes anything that can be thought of as existing "for this purpose only." For example, an ad hoc committee is generally authorized to look into a single matter of limited scope, not to broadly pursue any issue of interest. Ad hoc can also be used as an adverb meaning "for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application," as in "decisions were made ad hoc."

On this episode, Payton unravels the case of Matthew Thanes. A random encounter in a video game turns into something far more sinister when a man travels across the country and shows up at his front door. Links: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderwithmyhusband NEW MERCH LINK: https://mwmhshop.com Discount Codes: https://mailchi.mp/c6f48670aeac/oh-no-media-discount-codes Twitch: twitch.tv/throatypie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytonmorelandshow/ Discount Codes: https://mailchi.mp/c6f48670aeac/oh-no-media-discount-codes Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUbh-B5Or9CT8Hutw1wfYqQ Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/into-the-dark/id1662304327 Listen on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36SDVKB2MEWpFGVs9kRgQ7 Case Sources: 5 NBC DFW - https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/man-police-say-drove-from-california-to-flower-mound-to-kill-teen-gamer-identified/2442421/   https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/suspect-in-flower-mound-shooting-death-of-18-year-old-man-found-dead/2430412/  The New Zealand Herald - https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/man-drove-5000-kilometres-to-kill-twitch-streamer-matthew-thane/NMSWY2NJNKOFK2O2SUA7QHZ2JA/ Investigation Discovery - https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/murder/man-travels-3-400-miles-in-72-hours-to-kill-teen-he-met-gaming-o  Star Telegram - https://www.star-telegram.com/news/nation-world/national/article245150215.html  Flower Mound Leader - https://starlocalmedia.com/theleader/news/flower-mound-homicide-possibly-stemmed-from-gaming-dispute/article_017154ee-e3bb-11ea-b59c-4794b4159fad.html  Mercury News - https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/20/alleged-killer-drove-from-east-bay-to-texas-over-possible-gaming-feud-murder-suicide/  CBS News - https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/police-identify-suspect-allegedly-traveled-from-california-to-north-texas-killed-18-year-old/  News.Com Australia - https://www.news.com.au/technology/home-entertainment/gaming/man-drove-5000-kilometres-to-kill-twitch-streamer-matthew-thane/news-story/d42a79202d0efacd16bbdca85290d71f  The Cross Timbers Gazette - https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2020/09/11/flower-mound-murder-suspect-identified/ Flower Mound High School Student Media - https://fmhswire.com/featured/2020/10/07/the-danger-of-video-games-how-to-stay-safe-online/ The American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html Brookings - https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-did-u-s-homicides-spike-in-2020-and-then-decline-rapidly-in-2023-and-2024/ Headspace - https://www.headspace.com/articles/nice-irl-mean-online Crime Traveller - https://www.crimetraveller.org/2021/05/social-media-online-arguments-between-teens-real-world-violence/ Daily Mail - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8651133/Gamer-23-drove-1-700-miles-kill-teen-himself.html Scallywag and Vagabond - https://scallywagandvagabond.com/2020/08/man-drove-1700-miles-to-shoot-matthew-jpn-thane-flower-mound-tx-man-online-gaming-dispute/ Telemundo Dallas - https://www.telemundodallas.com/noticias/local/policia-identifican-a-joven-que-viajo-a-flower-mound-para-presuntamente-asesinar-a-conocido/2109796/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices