Podcasts about The New Zealand Herald

There's bad news, really, and it's been coming and I think I've had my head in the sand for some time. I've been wanting things to get better quickly. I've wanted things to move out from grindy-ness, and a lack of fun, and excess, and nonsense. It's just been for four years of long, slow grind, it seems. Well, Matthew Hooton's opinion piece in the New Zealand Herald has laid it out starkly, unequivocally, in no uncertain terms. The grindy times are here for a long time, as he says. Brooke van Velden's constitutionally dubious and deeply unpopular legislation to amend the Equal Pay Act and more bold moves like it, are now unavoidable, whether they take the form of massive spending cuts, much higher taxes, or most likely, he says both. And the reason? Successive governments have been on a massive jolly, and now we, and successive generations have to pay for it. As Hooton reminds us, Treasury began formerly warning in 2006, about the looming fiscal challenges after 2030. It expected future governments would follow the responsible fiscal management of the Bolger, Shipley, and Clark governments, that they would maintain surpluses, pay back debt, put aside cash for a rainy day. Had we heeded the advice and followed the blueprint, we would be 15% of GDP in the black this year. Instead, the Key-English and Ardern-Hipkins Governments went on a 15-year spending spree, putting us 23% of GDP in the red, despite the Super Fund's returns on investments exceeding expectations. You can say what about the Canterbury quake, the GFC, and Covid? You can say all of that. But he's quite right. Successive governments have had to recover from crises, but they've also used that time to have a spend up, to push through expensive legislation and policies, of their choosing, of their ideology, while at the same time having to fork out billions in damage recovery. So, the four years of grindy times are going to be nothing in comparison to what we are going to see. There's more with this came from. Thanks to the Key-English and Ardern-Hipkins legacy, we're nearly 40% of GDP, or more than $170 billion, behind where Helen Clark, Winston Peters, and Sir Michael Cullen planned back in 2006, just as baby boomers retire and health costs start to explode. He says and argues without radical policy change, there is no plausible scenario that doesn't lead to eventual financial and social collapse. I urge you to read it and have a look and see what you think. That is why Labour's well-intentioned and accurately costed ill thought-out legislation is being scrapped. That is why superannuation and healthcare costs will be put under the microscope as costs balloon. And that is why I would argue, National and Labour need to work together to get us out of this mess. Treasury warned of the fiscal challenges in 2006. They warned of them again in a 2012 post-election briefing to John Key, the papers stressed again as baby boomers move into retirement, New Zealand's 65 and over population is projected to grow nearly four times more quickly than the total population, and consequently there'll be a rapid rise in health, aged care, and New Zealand super costs. Treasury said the fiscal challenge is considerable. There is no way to avoid making trade-offs. Given the potential economic and social instability that could result from any uncertainty about these trade-offs, we think it's crucial that effort be made to build broad public consensus on the way forward. And that's where we are today. The trade-offs are starting but there's no consensus, because it's just been sprung on us. Well, it hasn't been sprung on us. Treasury have been warning of this for some time, and we have ignored it as voters and the parties have ignored it. Both National and Labour are at fault, but we voters are to blame as well. We can't just stand there saying, “oh, we're victims we didn't know”. Would we have elected any party to government that laid out the grim prognosis for New Zealand Inc. and spelled out the tough measures we would need to take to recover? If Christopher Luxon had stood there in 2023 and said, we're in a real mess and it goes way beyond Hipkins and Robertson, Ardern and Robertson. It goes back a lot further than that and we are going to have to cut the equal pay amendment legislation, we're going to have to raise the age of superannuation, as every other western country we measure ourselves against has done, we're going to have to look long and hard at healthcare, we're have to look long and hard at welfare payments, and we're probably going to have to scrap some of them because we're in a deep, deep fiscal hole. Would we have said thank you so much for spelling it out. We're going to vote National back in to do these austere and tough measures that we need to recover so that we've got a country for our grandchildren. I doubt it. We are just as much to blame. The party is well and truly over, and it has been for some time. We've just borrowed to keep it going and buried our heads in the sand, turned up the music so we don't hear the creaking and the groaning of the economy as it struggles to keep the party going. It's time we all grew up. And it's time both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition worked together to try and keep the country together while we work our way out of this mess. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What are the Government's fiscal intentions and objectives? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DAN BIDOIS to the Minister of Transport: What announcements has he made regarding rapid transit in Auckland? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Women: Does she agree with the statement on the Ministry for Women website that "The majority (80%) of the gender pay gap is driven by harder to measure factors like conscious and unconscious bias and differences in choices and behaviours"; if so, how has this shaped her advocacy? CARL BATES to the Minister of Justice: How is the Government progressing with its plan to restore law and order? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree with Associate Finance Minister David Seymour that "I actually think that Brooke van Velden has saved the taxpayer billions. She's saved the Budget for the Government"; if so, what are the savings from the changes to pay equity? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent announcement has he made about supporting Women's Refuge through the Mental Health and Addiction Innovation Fund? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon JAN TINETTI to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Does she agree with Thomas Coughlan of the New Zealand Herald, who said about her changes to pay equity legislation that "It is deeply wrong that Parliament can take away that work in a matter of hours"; if not, why not? MARIAMENO KAPA-KINGI to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement that "increased reporting also shows that people feel like they can report their concerns to Oranga Tamariki or other government agencies and that these reports are being captured and actioned"? TANYA UNKOVICH to the Minister for Regional Development: What reports has he seen on regional development in Northland?

The Australian federal election is heating up. Anthony Albanese is facing the challenge of becoming the first PM to be re-elected since John Howard. He has been an MP since 1996, when he was the youngest Labor member of the house. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton brings with him a wealth of experience, having been elected to the house of representatives in 2001 aged 30. Both have sat across the aisle from each other for years. And this Saturday, Australians will vote which will lead their country for the next three years. Today on The Front Page, ABC News political reporter Claudia Long takes a break from following around the candidates and joins us from Melbourne to talk polls, policies – and what Kiwis in Aussie need to know. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime is a constant hot topic of debate in New Zealand – one that is rarely far from the front pages. The recent alleged murder of University of Auckland student Kyle Whorrall in Auckland has served as a reminder of the randomness that comes with violent crime – with a 16 year old now charged with his murder. But the Government is touting that violent crime is on the decline – years before their intended target. So are our streets really any safer – and is vibe more than policy influencing this? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior journalist Derek Cheng is with us to discuss the stats. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The battle over gender and definitions is building steam in New Zealand. New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that “would ensure the biological definition of a woman and man are defined in law”. It comes after a landmark ruling in the United Kingdom, where Supreme Court judges unanimously ruled a woman is defined “by biological sex under equalities law”. The court sided with a women’s rights campaign group that argued sex-based protections should only apply to “people that were born female”. Judge Lord Hodge said the ruling should not be seen as a triumph of one side over the other, and stressed that the law still gives protection against discrimination to transgender people. But it was largely seen as a victory by campaigners, while trans rights advocates have called the ruling a huge blow to some of the most marginalised people in our society. To discuss this issue, today on The Front Page, we’re joined by University of Waikato professor of sociology and social policy Katrina Roen. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 25th, 110 years ago, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli. About 8,700 Australians and 2,700 Kiwis would die over the eight-month campaign that followed. Since then, the term Anzac has symbolised decades of mateship – and the day is observed now by a number of Pacific nations as well. The date serves as a time to remember those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations – but until very recently, how we defined veteran was quite narrow. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter, David Fisher, is with us to take us through the latest changes in this realm – and how our defence focus is changing. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced he died of a stroke at his Santa Maria residence – almost a month after a five-week stay in hospital battling pneumonia. Elected on March 13 2013, for 12 years he served as the leader of the world’s 1 point 4 billion Catholics, and was notable for his more liberal and open minded views on Christianity. Today on The Front Page, Bishop Michael Dooley, the Bishop of Dunedin, joins us to talk about Pope Francis’ legacy – and whether Hollywood’s depiction of how to choose the next pontiff is correct. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Police are assisting the FBI in an investigation into a secretive religious group, which has operations worldwide. It’s a fringe, Christian sect that has no official name – but is commonly known as the “Two by Twos”, “The Truth”, “The Way” and “The Church With No Name”. The inquiries follow a BBC investigation last year into allegations of child sexual abuse spanning decades within the church, which is believed to have up to 100,000 members worldwide. And in a bizarre twist, it's been revealed National Party MP Hamish Campbell is a high-ranking member of the group. Today on The Front Page, Herald senior crime reporter Anna Leask has been delving into what exactly this group is – and joins us now. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a number of employment dispute avenues in New Zealand, dependent on what industry you’re in. If you’re one of the 114,000 registered teachers in this country – you have to appear before something called the “Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal”. Last year, there were 524 complaints, mandatory reports, and self-reports received by the Teaching Council - which is 0.5% of the total number of teachers who held a practising certificate. It’s more than 2023, which saw 462 -- that accounted for 0.4%. For the latest in our series looking at how different tribunals work, today on The Front Page we’re joined again by Open Justice reporter Jeremy Wilkinson. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett has revealed his partner in crime Rieko Ioane reached out for some advice before signing a sabbatical deal with Irish club Leinster for 2026. Despite receiving interest from Japan, Ioane made the bombshell move by following in Barrett's footsteps with a move to Dublin to play in the United Rugby Championship (URC), which features teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa. Ioane will make the move at the end of the year for a six-month stint between December and June, which rules him out for the Super Rugby Pacific season with the Blues but he remains eligible for the All Blacks. Ioane's announcement was met with a mainly positive response, although some Leinster faithful were clearly still bitter after his feud with the club's favourite son and all-time leading points scorer, Johnny Sexton, which started after the All Blacks knocked Ireland out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. After plenty of backchat on the field, Ioane told Sexton to enjoy retirement and to not miss his flight home after New Zealand's quarter-final win. With Sexton relitigating that personal clash in his book, Ioane was widely painted as public enemy No 1 in the build-up to the All Blacks and Ireland rematch in Dublin last November. Ioane led the haka before the match and played a key role on the field as the All Blacks went on to snap Ireland's 19-game unbeaten run at home. Ioane posted a picture to social media with the caption “put that in the book” to double down on his villain status in Ireland. Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Jason Pine, Barrett said he believed Ioane can stamp his mark in Ireland. “He sounded me out about 10 days ago and just asked a few questions,” he said. “He didn't say a whole lot, so I didn't get a good inkling of where his head or heart was, but look, I woke up on my day off and the news had dropped on my phone. “It gave me 24 hours, without having a barrage of questions at training the morning I went in there, so I got all of them yesterday. “He'll go great. It's a great place to develop and he'll see a lot of improvements up here as a player, and get out of his comfort zone in Auckland and the Blues and [it's] a chance to grow. “I think it's a great challenge for him.” Leinster's Tommy O'Brien and Jordie Barrett celebrate following the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin in Ireland. (Photo by Damien Eagers/PA Images via Getty Images) Barrett admits it's been an adjustment for him, but he's loving life in Ireland, especially on the golf course. When Barrett announced his move to Ireland, it came as a shock as most players tend to take their sabbatical in Japan, like his brother Beauden did last year. In fact, he was the first All Black since 2009 to choose Europe over Japan, when Dan Carter signed with Perpignan. While there were concerns around his workload due to the demands of European rugby, Barrett said he had an extended break while the Six Nations took place in February and March. During that time, a limited of matches were played and when they were, youngsters were given opportunities to prove themselves. That rest has helped Barrett stay focused to help Leinster charge towards winning titles. In the URC, they have only lost once this season – by one point to the Bulls in Pretoria – and hold an eight-point lead over the defending champions Glasgow Warriors with four games remaining in the regular season. They face the Warriors in the final match of the season but will be confident after crushing them 52-0 in the European Championship quarter-finals last weekend. Barrett, who has played nine games thus far between second five and fullback, admits there have been some easier games, but plenty of tough battles. Overall, Barrett believes he's become a better rugby player for the experience. “I reserve that judgment for people watching on the telly, but I feel like I'm growing my game,” said Barrett. “It was a challenge to come up here, become familiar with another system and different coaches and players in a different culture and environment. “I feel like my rugby's improving, which is nice, and, it's neverending, like any footy player just wants to improve, and I feel like I'm making slight improvements. “Hopefully we give ourselves another chance and earn the right to make a European final in a few weeks' time and then push deep into the URC competition.” Should Leinster go all the way in both completions, the European Rugby Champions Cup final takes place on May 25, with the URC final on June 15. That would give Barrett enough time to return to New Zealand for the All Blacks' test series against France, starting on July 5 in Dunedin. Barrett says he has been in touch with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and is eager to square off against the French. “Razor has sent the odd text, which is nice, and it shows he's keeping an eye on things, and so have the other coaches. Just touching base and making sure things are tracking well and that I'm healthy and playing good footy. “I feel like I'll be ready to go and hopefully take some form into an All Blacks jersey, which is the main reason why I wanted to come up here in the first place.” Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation is on the up. New Zealand Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann is with Mihi to unpack what that means. 

For much of the 1970s, Marty Johnstone operated as one of New Zealand’s most notorious drug dealers. Dubbed ‘Mr Asia’ by journalists, Johnstone rose from North Shore menswear salesman to head of a global heroin empire. But his life at the top was short lived. In November 1979, his mutilated body was found in a quarry in Lancashire, England. He was just 27 when he was murdered, killed by his best friend, Andy Maher. The epic rise and rapid fall of the country’s most infamous drug gang is retold in Mr Asia: A Forgotten History, a new six-part podcast series from the New Zealand Herald and Bird of Paradise Productions. Here’s a snippet from episode one, 'When Terry Met Marty'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The severe storm barrelling towards the upper North Island has been upgraded to a tropical cyclone. The Fiji Meteorological Service has named the storm “Tropical Cyclone Tam”, and while its centre is expected to remain west of Cape Reinga, forecasters are still warning of severe wind and rain over the next 24 hours. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is keen on making it easier to get more drivers on the road. If proposed changes announced this week go through, the second practical driving test required for a full licence will be scrapped, and the number of eyesight tests needed will be reduced, with new safety measures being introduced as well. It comes as the Government continues with its pledge to reverse Labour’s “blanket speed limit reductions” - something National campaigned on. But will a more affordable drivers license system, and higher speed limits, make our roads any safer? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by AA road safety spokesperson, Dylan Thomsen , to discuss the Government’s latest plans for our roads. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand fashion has had a shake-up in recent years – with both well-known and home-grown brands shutting up shop. Kate Sylvester will shut their doors this year after 31 years of trade – and newer labels, Mina, Hej hej, and Nisa have all ended production. The struggles are perhaps best epitomised by New Zealand fashion week, which cancelled its 2024 season after cancellations in 2020, 2021 and 2022. And the issues show no sign of stopping, with global trade wars highlighting how many designers manufacture their goods in China, Vietnam and Cambodia – all hit hard by tariffs. Today on The Front Page, to discuss the state of the industry, we’re joined by Viva’s departing fashion and creative director, Dan Ahwa. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pauline Hanna on a boat, sea breeze, big smiles. It’s the image filmmakers of a new three-part documentary into her death, and subsequent murder trial of her husband, decide to open on. Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of strangling his wife and making it look like she’d taken her own life. The Front Page covered the mammoth nine-week trial in the series: Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial. Today on The Front Page, executive producer Mark McNeill is with us to talk about the trial, the documentary, and the life of Pauline. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence has been the hot topic of debate in the business world for the last few years. But increasingly, it’s an area that is encroaching in on the creative industries. The latest OpenAI update is so advanced, fans online have used it to eerily replicate the hand drawn art style of Japanese anime favourites, Studio Ghibli. It’s just the latest sign of AI coming for the arts, with recent headlines also highlighting concerns over entirely artificial models in ad campaigns, and fake movie trailers that look close to the real thing. What protections are there in place for our creative sector, or could they become one of the first industries to fall to our new AI overlords? Today on The Front Page, University of Sydney business school Associate Professor Sandra Peter is with us to take us through the impact of these emerging technologies. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week after announcing his Liberation Day tariffs and causing global market chaos, US President Donald Trump has done a 180. He has announced on social media that he has paused tariffs against 75 countries for 90 days – but has doubled down on a trade war with China, announcing a 125% tariffs on goods from the country. US stocks rocketed higher after the declaration – the S&P 500 posted its best day since 2008, and the Nasdaq its best since 2001. So what's behind the sudden backtrack, and what could all of this mean for New Zealand? Today on The Front Page for this bonus episode, we’re joined once again by NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics is rarely quiet in New Zealand, but we’ve seen plenty of upheaval in the last few weeks. Notably, after over a year of protests and thousands of submissions against it, the Treaty Principles Bill has finally been killed off, after being voted down in its second reading in the House yesterday. But things are looking up for the Coalition, with two recent polls firming up support for National, Act and NZ First – even if it remains a tight race between the right and left blocs. Now that trade wars and tariffs have shaken up the global economy, what is the Government going to focus on to keep their re-election hopes alive? And can Labour thrive despite controversies hitting its partners? Today on The Front Page, to talk through the latest in politics, we’re joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cost of living has hit many families around the country hard – but what about the singles out there? From booking holidays to having a roof over your head, there’s often an additional cost of doing life alone. Research shows that, for people aged 25 to 49, those who are single spend 14% more than their coupled counterparts. It has been dubbed the ‘singles tax’, and while it is gaining more traction in the mainstream, lowering costs for the partnerless is not an easy task. Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Equab has crunched the numbers on this, and he joins us today 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no doubt about it, being a parliamentarian is a public facing, high-stress, demanding job. You’re exposed, scrutinised, and your decisions affect the entire country – for better, or worse. But, do the high-stakes constitute the abuse they face, some on a daily basis? Recently, we’ve seen Minister Shane Jones and his wife Dot accosted at an airport, increased security for Mayors Wayne Brown and Tania Tapsell, and death threats aimed at Green MP Benjamin Doyle – but those are all just stories from the last month. University of Otago research out today shows female MPs are being assaulted with weapons, threatened with rape, and subjected to death threats – and it’s become commonplace. Today on The Front Page, senior author and professor Susanna Every-Palmer is with us to talk about whether it’s high-time to better protect our elected officials. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s Liberation Day has felt more like a bloodbath for the world economy. The US President last week announced what he called reciprocal tariffs on almost every country on Earth – as well as some islands uninhabited by human life. New Zealand was not as impacted as most – with just a10 percent tariff on our goods imported into the US – but the European Union has had a 20% bump on tariffs, while China has received an additional 34% tariff. More than 50 countries have reportedly sought talks with the US to ease tariffs, but as trillions are wiped off the stock market, what does this all mean in the short term for your wallet? Today on The Front Page, we’re sorting through the numbers with NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 7th of April - A State Housing selloff is exciting developers, but we wanted to know if the old adage of them having good bones is true. The New Zealand Herald has just launched a new series called On The Up – we sought out stories of success and inspiration. And to finish some great jury stories triggered by an item about 'Escape Room' style jury experiences where participants get to talk to actors playing the Accused and the Prosecutor. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Herald is barely out of everyone else's headlines these days, but will readers notice the changes that are bubbling beneath the masthead…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The world can feel like a dark and gloomy place at times, particularly at the moment. With wars, economic uncertainty and certain politicians always generating headlines, its hard to avoid feeling down. But in amongst all this doom and gloom, there are plenty of stories worth celebrating in New Zealand – from stars on the rise to businesses making it work in a tough environment. The New Zealand Herald is spotlighting some of these stories in a new editorial campaign, On the Up. Today on The Front Page, the Herald’s Chief Content Officer publishing, Murray Kirkness, is with us to explain the thinking behind this series. And later, we get advice from psychologist Dougal Sutherland on how to reset our minds and focus on the positive news out there. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You meet anyone overseas and say New Zealand, the first thing they bring up is hobbits. Lord of the Rings was a crowning achievement for film production in Aotearoa, and opened the door for more movies to be filmed here. A Minecraft Movie is just the latest overseas blockbuster to be produced on our shores, and that’s hitting cinemas around the world this weekend – while local film Tee-nah has been a box office sensation. But as the cost of film production soars around the world, what does the future hold for New Zealand? And can we break out of the shadow of Middle Earth? Today on The Front Page, we’re off to the movies with the chief executive of the NZ Film Commission, Annie Murray. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our primary healthcare system stands at a critical juncture - at least, that’s the latest from the New Zealand Initiative. The think tank has released a review this morning, into the country’s primary care system. It argues that the “current system faces mounting pressures that threaten its sustainability and effectiveness”. So with the vital role GPs play in our every day healthcare, what are the challenges facing our family doctors? Today on The Front Page, NZI research fellow, Dr Prabani Wood joins us to dive into another part of our health system in crisis. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Until recently, Jim Grenon hadn't crossed Sir Ian Taylor's radar. But when news broke that he'd acquired a significant stake in NZME, the company behind the New Zealand Herald, Newstalk ZB, and some of the country's biggest radio and digital platforms, Ian started paying attention not just to who Grenon was, but who the people Grenon had in his circleIn a feat of determination, New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker held the Senate floor with a marathon speech that lasted all night and into Tuesday evening (local time), setting a historic mark to show Democrats' resistance to President Donald Trump's sweeping actions.Te Pāti Māori are planning to hold their own version of privileges Committee after skipping today's meeting over fears of unfair hearing and a decline of waiting for their lawyer, Chris Finlayson, time to be available. Judith Colins have given them one more chance to appear, TPM have said they won't be=================================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

A war of words has erupted between the Green Party and NZ First this week. It comes after photos circulated on social from a private Instagram account belonging to Green MP Benjamin Doyle. The account, named ‘biblebeltbussy’, also featured photos of their child, including one with ‘bussy’ in the caption. The term originated as a euphuism for a man’s anus, and can be used colloquially by some in the gay community, but Doyle’s usage of it has sparked accusations of vulgarity and being inappropriate. That was amplified by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who said on social media that Doyle should answer for the posts and that if “Police want to investigate, they can”. The Green Party has said that Doyle has received death threats as a result and have called for the Prime Minister to intervene. So does this suggest a changing battleground for politics, with family issues and social media activists taking centre stage? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Victoria University of Wellington politics professor Lara Greaves to discuss a different type of political scandal. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The so-called ‘stadium wars’ in Auckland have been raging quietly behind the scenes for several years now. But last week, the battle popped up in public once again, with Auckland Council voting to throw its support behind a plan to upgrade Eden Park, over the proposed new stadium on the city’s waterfront. Eden Park may have won on the day, but questions remain over how the upgrades will be funded, while the Government still needs to weigh in on which project to support. NZ Herald sports writer Michael Burgess has been following these discussions for over a decade, and joins us today on The Front Page to dig into what this latest vote means in the long-term. 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In New Zealand, there are a number of tribunals and review boards you can go to when you feel things haven’t quite gone your way. Whether you’ve had a bad experience leaving your job, or something’s gone wrong in your healthcare journey, these committees are tasked with working out what has gone wrong and who – if anyone – should be held responsible. But some of them can be limited in how much they can hold people to account. The Human Rights Review Tribunal is one of the few in New Zealand that can award damages if they find in your favour. Reporter Jeremy Wilkinson covers a lot of these tribunals for Open Justice, and he joins The Front Page today for the first in a series of examinations of how these processes 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 DanielsSound Engineer: Dan GoodwinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The financial year is coming to an end, and that means from next Tuesday, a lot of Kiwis will be getting more money in their wallets. April 1st is when the Annual General Adjustment takes place – when benefits and minimum wage increase to account for wage growth or inflation. While benefits are getting a 2.22 percent rise, and Super and the Veterans Pension gets a 3.51 percent increase, minimum wage is only going up by 1.5 percent. As people continue to feel the sting of cost of living, what impact will these changes have – and how well is our economy performing at the moment? To talk us through it all, today on The Front Page we’re joined by NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures have revealed the assets of our ten biggest iwi stands at $8.2 billion. A recent report from consultancy firm TDB Advisory shows the assets only rose by $100m in the last three years, a slightly better return than 2023 – as the economic turmoil over the last five years continues to have an impact on their investments. Covering everything from property, to farming, to managed funds and offshore opportunities, many of these iwi own assets that have an impact on our day-to-day lives, so how do they compare to some of our biggest investment firms? To explain where iwis have their money, today on The Front Page, TDB Advisory director Phil Barry is with us to dive into this 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: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1930, across 22 editions of the Fifa Mens World Cup, only two New Zealand teams have featured on the biggest football stage, in 1982 and 2010. Now there will be three. The All Whites have qualified for the 2026 Fifa World Cup – after a three nil win over New Caledonia in front of a home crowd at Eden Park. After a successful job co-hosting the womens tournament in 2023, and a strong run from new team Auckland FC in the A-League, what does the future of football look like in New Zealand? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB’s and keen football fan Jason Pine is with us to talk about football on and off the pitch. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 11:59pm on March 25th 2020, New Zealand entered its first level four Covid –19 lockdown. To many, that moment may feel like it happened just yesterday, while others are glad its firmly in the past. Whatever your feelings are about New Zealand’s response to the Covid pandemic, that first lockdown was a life altering event for many of us. Five years on, did it change us for the better, or did it kickstart something else entirely? University of Otago epidemiologist Michael Baker became a household name overnight for his commentary during the pandemic. He joins us today on The Front Page to look back on the start of the pandemic, and forwards towards the next one. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School rugby has been under the microscope for several years now after controversies over poaching between schools and live broadcast of games. Those tensions have flared up again, with secondary schools pushing back against NZ Rugby’s plans for an Under-18 team to take on Australia. It’s not the only sporting code to face push back though. This week, our young rowers take to the waters for the Maadi Cup regatta, and for the first time ‘year 14’ students are barred from taking part. It all amounts to an ongoing debate about how much focus should be put on teenage athletes, while still allowing the likes of record breaking runner Sam Ruthe to soar. First on The Front Page, we speak to NZ Herald journalist Gregor Paul about his latest reporting into school sports. Then later on the show, we’ll talk to AUT Associate Professor and Co-Director of AUT's Sports Performance Research Institute NZ, Simon Walters. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been a number of headlines trending throughout 2025 so far. Tariffs, trade wars, geopolitical tensions... and romance scams. Fake online relationships – better known as catfishes – have existed as long as social media has been around. But the increasing prevalence of AI is making it trickier to tell fact from fiction. One woman in France was conned out of 800,000 Euros after believing she was in a relationship with Oscar winner Brad Pitt, while closer to home, US-based Kiwi actor Martin Henderson has seen his face used as a front for these scams. So how common are these elaborate scams, and what protections can be put in place to better protect vulnerable people? Today on The Front Page, National Cyber Security Centre Threat and Incident Response team lead Tom Roberts is with to discuss what can be done to break up with these scammers. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Herald's Wellington Issues reporter Georgina Campbell is finishing up after nine years working at Newstalk ZB and the Herald in Wellington. In the final Capital Letter slot, she reflects on her most memorable stories, and how the journalism scene has changed since 2016. Nick also took a trip down memory lane to one of Georgina's first live radio crosses on Wellington Mornings - reporting to former host Tim Fookes from the opening of the David Jones department store. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tariffs on steel and aluminium came into effect on Wednesday, what impact is that expected to have on NZ? Plus the Government's investment summit, and where do we sit on the misery index? New Zealand Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann unpacks what's on the economic horizon.

A Canadian billionaire with a history in private equity is leading a move to dump the board of media company NZME, owners of the New Zealand Herald and NewsTalk ZB. Founder of The Spinoff Duncan Grieve spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Media company NZME is considering separating its property brand OneRoof into an entirely new business. The company - which also owns Newstalk ZB and the New Zealand Herald - is reporting full-year earnings of $54.2 million and a net loss after tax of $16 million after impairment. Operating revenue is up 2 percent, but earnings are down by 3.6 percent. Chief Executive Michael Boggs says they're doing a strategic review of OneRoof. "How is it structured, and what is the best way of the shareholdings of that business? Should we own all of it - or should there be other shareholders in it, for example? Should we be investing more into it?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British streaming platform DAZN are being courted by New Zealand Rugby to make an 11th hour bid for the rugby rights deal up after this year. Talks between Sky and New Zealand Rugby continue, but the pair have failed to reach an agreement on a scaled down offer from the current agreement. The New Zealand Herald reports NZR is talking to DAZN - who are currently in the process of buying Australia's Foxtel. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 30 roles are being cut from the New Zealand Herald's newsroom - with the likes of political editor Claire Trevett and deputy business editor Grant Bradley taking voluntary redundancy. RNZ MediaWatch host Colin Peacock spoke to Paddy Gower.

In the 1970s, the Mr Asia drug syndicate was one of the largest sellers of heroin in the world. The group began in New Zealand, with two men at its centre: Marty Johnstone and Terry Clark. As the syndicate spread around the world, for a few years, they were living the high life. And then, they started killing each other. In the new season of A Forgotten History, from the New Zealand Herald and Bird of Paradise Productions, John Daniell and Noelle McCarthy revisit the lives and crimes of these two men, their associates, and how their actions changed drug culture in New Zealand. Episodes available now wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to our weekly political panel with RNZ political editor Jo Moir and New Zealand Herald political editor Claire Trevett.

Listen to our weekly political panel with RNZ political editor Jo Moir and New Zealand Herald political editor Claire Trevett.

On today's episode, the families of those who died in Cyclone Gabrielle say Hawke's Bay residents are in danger because authorities have not made the urgent changes needed to keep people safe in disasters; Europe is still reeling from what appears to be the collapse of nearly a century of American interventionist policy on the continent; Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis has again called for more competition in the supermarket sector, saying a new player would be welcome; teams from around the country are getting ready for the Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix on Saturday; we have our weekly political panel with RNZ political editor Jo Moir and New Zealand Herald political editor Claire Trevet, and Kerry-Anne Walsh joins us for an update from Australia.

What are tariffs and how will they affect New Zealand? New Zealand Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann unpack what's on the economic horizon. 

Today, Bex Scott takes us back in time to the days of the 1950s housewife. An article from the New Zealand Herald in 2018 shared a vintage 1950s article on how to attract men and Bex dives into it with us to see how many, if any, of the old tips are valid. Take a trip in Bex's time machine and learn, from different articles, how to find a husband, how to keep him happy once married, and how to keep looking pretty for this coveted man. How cringe-worthy is this article by today's standards? Join Bex to find out. Modern dating often involves online dating so in fifty years we may look back on this era and find it extremely cringe-worthy as well. For now, 1950s sensibilities are on glorious display in this vintage article. The article was originally published under the title 129 Ways to Get a Husband in McCall's magazine and was aimed at women who weren't married by the ripe old age of seventeen. The suggestions range from simple - “walk a dog” - to baffling - “read the obituaries to find eligible widowers”. Of course, snagging a husband is only half the battle. Once married, he has to be kept happy. Those suggestions, from a 1950s Home Ec book, range from the expected - “have dinner ready when he comes home” - to the old school - “arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes”. Deep dive into the mind-blowing world of 50s husband hunting with Bex.Resources discussed in this episode:“Husband Hunting: Cringeworthy 1950s article advises women on how to attract men” NZ Herald, November 7, 2018—Contact Rebecca Scott | Pyrex With Bex: Website: PyrexWithBex.comInstagram: @pyrexwithbex—TranscriptBex Scott: [00:00:02] Hey everybody, it's Bex Scott and welcome to the Pyrex with Bex podcast where, you guessed it, I talk about vintage Pyrex, but also all things vintage housewares. I'll take you on my latest thrifting adventures, talk about reselling, chat with other enthusiasts about their collections, and learn about a bunch of really awesome items from the past. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you love listening to podcasts so you don't miss a beat. Hey everybody, this is Bex Scott and you are listening to the Pyrex with Bex podcast. On today's episode, I wanted to go into a topic that interests me and I'm sure interests quite a few of you as well. It's the 1950s housewife. So we just got through the holiday season. We're in January now. By the time you listen to this episode, it's probably going to be way past that. But over the holidays, I always like going through cookbooks, reading old magazines, and learning a little bit more about the 1950s and 1960s and doing some research. And this past holiday season, I came across a bunch of really good recipes, articles and books. But one in particular that I wanted to talk about today was based off of an article from a while back. It was actually published on November 7th in 2018, in the New Zealand Herald. And the title was Husband Hunting, Cringeworthy 1950s Article Advises Women on How to Attract Men. And this headline caught me right after I read it. Bex Scott: [00:01:50] I had to go through online dating before I met my husband. Dated a whole bunch of really interesting guys, not so great guys. Just ask anybody in my family. I was very lucky to find my husband and now not have to worry about how to attract a man, as this article title says. But I always find it very interesting to learn about what women had to do, or what was kind of expected of them in that time period with beauty, with how they were supposed to act, etiquette in general, and kind of what the world expected of women in the 1950s. And I think this article sums it up perfectly. So I'm going to go through it with you. And they have the actual article from, so they wrote about it in the New Zealand Herald, but they also have the 1950s article in full here that I will read for you. And I think you guys are going to get a kick out of some of it and probably cringe at most of it, but I'd love to know what you think after this episode. Bex Scott: [00:03:02] Okay, so they start off by saying a magazine from the 1950s features a cringe worthy advice column for single women on how to attract men. The article, headlined 129 Ways to Get a Husband from the American magazine McCall's, includes hilarious and bizarre tips where most would never be used in this era, I'm sure. Photos of the advice column were posted on Facebook, with the post quickly becoming viral. So this is in 2018. The post had been shared over 13,000 times and had caused widespread controversy, quickly racking up more than 4600 likes and thousands of comments from shocked and amused users. The feature, aimed at women who weren't married by 17, was created with the help of 16 people who used a brainstorming technique to see if they could come up with fresh ideas on how to find a husband. The first 30 pointers reveal where to find him, giving single women creative tips on how to run into their potential new husband. This section includes advice as simple as get a dog and walk it to very cynical ideas like read obituaries to find eligible widowers. Bex Scott: [00:04:16] Okay, so there's 13 different numbers here that they've listed on where to find your husband. Number one, get a dog and walk it. Number two, have your car break down at strategic places. That sounds very sketchy to me. I would not advise this in 2025 at all. Number three, attend night school, take courses men like. Okay. Number four, join a hiking club. I know many people, I have many friends who've actually done this and met some very nice men. So a hiking club is not a bad number here. Number five, look in the census reports for places with the most single men. Nevada has 125 males for every 100 females. Number six, read the obituaries to find eligible widowers. That is crazy. We're not going to do that. Number seven, take up golf and go to different golf courses. Okay, that could be a solid go-to. Number eight, take several short vacations at different places rather than one long one at one place. Number nine, sit on a park bench and feed the pigeons. Number ten, take a bicycle trip through Europe. Mm. That sounds very romantic and not realistic to find a man on a bicycle trip. You never know. I've known people who've met their significant other on a nice European trip. Number 11, get a job in a medical, dental or law school. Number 12, become a nurse or an airline stewardess. They have very high marriage rates. Number 13, ask your friends husbands who the eligible men are in their offices. Bex Scott: [00:06:10] Okay, so the next piece of advice is how to let him know you're there. Giving women cunning ideas to get a man's attention. Okay, so here are all 41 of the ways to let him know you're there. So feel free to try any of these if you'd like. Okay. Be nice to everybody, they may have an eligible brother or son. Get a government job overseas. Forget discretion every once in a while and call them up. Carry a hat box. I wonder what that would do now? Probably not too much. If you carried a hat box, people would be wondering what was in the box. Make a lot of money. Okay. Learn several funny stories and learn to tell them well, but make sure you don't tell them to him more than once. Walk up to him and tell him you need some advice. Dropping the handkerchief still works. You could do that with a Kleenex, but I highly doubt that a man is going to pick up your Kleenex. Have your father buy some theater tickets that have to be got rid of. Don't let him fish for your name the next time you meet. None of this guess who stuff. Bex Scott: [00:07:35] Next, single women are given advice on how to look good to him. Suggesting what cosmetics and items to wear. Get better looking glasses. Men still make passes at girls who wear glasses. Or you could try contact lenses, number 49 advises. Wear high heels most of the time, they're sexier. Unless he happens to be shorter than you, another pointer said. Okay, so here we go, continuing on. If you're at a resort, have the bellboy page you. Buy a convertible. Men like to ride in them. Learn how to bake tasty apple pies. Bring one into the office and let the eligible bachelor taste it. Laugh at his jokes. If there's a wallflower among the men you know, why not cultivate him. Oh cultivate the flower? For all you know, he may be a diamond in the rough. Accidentally have your purse fly open, scattering its contents all over the street. I don't think I'd want any, no, no, I don't want anybody knowing what's in my purse. Not that there's anything bad in there, but probably a lot of Pyrex. No, I'm kidding. I didn't have Pyrex back in the day in my purse. Bex Scott: [00:07:35] Okay. How to look good to him. So this is the next section. Men like to think they're authorities on perfume. Ask his advice on what kind you should wear. Practice your drinking with your women friends first. If you dye your hair, pick a shade and stick to it. Tell him he's handsome. Take good care of your health, men don't like girls who are ill. That's an obvious one. If you look good in sweaters, wear one on every third date. Dress differently from the other girls in the office. Get a sunburn. What? Watch your vocabulary. Blah blah blah. Oh, my gosh, that's a great word to stumble on. Watch your vocabulary. There we go. Go on a diet if you need to. What? When you're with him, order your steak rare. Don't tell him about your allergies. Oh, great, so he can try and kill you. That's a good one. European women use their eyes to good advantage. Practice in front of a mirror. Buy a full length mirror, and take a good look before you go to greet him. What does that mean? That's rude. Change the shade of your stockings and be sure to keep the seams straight. Get the fresh scrubbed look by scrubbing. If he has bought you any trinket or accessory, wear it. Use the ashtray. Don't crush out cigarettes in coffee cups. Polish up on making introductions. Learn to do them gracefully. Don't be too fussy. Stick to your moral standards. Don't whine. Girls who whine, stay on the vine. Bex Scott: [00:10:29] Okay. So in the final part of the feature, the magazine provided women guidance on how to land him. Tips ranged from ask him for her recipes to find out about girls he hasn't married. Don't repeat the same mistakes they made. Okay, here we go. How to land him? Listen up everyone. Show him you can have fun on a cheap date but don't overdo it. Don't let your parents treat him like a potential husband. Ask your parents to disappear when you're entertaining. Double date with a gay, happily married couple. Let him see what it's like. Tell his friends nice things about him. Send his mother a birthday card. Ask his mother for her recipes. Talk to his father about business and agree that taxes are too high. Well that would, yeah, that would work with my dad. He enjoys talking about taxes and politics. Buy his sister's children an occasional present. On the first date tell him you aren't thinking of getting married. What? How is that helpful? Don't talk about how many children you want. If he's a fisherman, learn to scale and clean fish. Don't tell him everything about yourself at the start, hold something in reserve. When you're out strolling with him, don't insist on stopping at every shop window. Don't tell him how much your clothes cost. Learn how to sew and wear something you've made yourself. Don't gossip about him. Never let him know he's the only one even if you have to stay home 1 or 2 nights a week. Wow. Don't be a pushover when he's trying to make a date. Very early in your dating, why not get a favorite song that you both regard as your own? Find out about the girls he hasn't married. Don't repeat the mistakes they made. Don't discuss your former boyfriends. That's a good one. If you are widowed or divorced, don't constantly discuss your former husband. Be flexible. If he decides to skip the dance and go on the lake, you go, even if you're wearing your best evening gown. Hide your Phi Beta Kappa key if you own one. Later on, junior can play with it. Oh. That's cute. Turn wolves into husband material by assuming they have honor. Resist the urge to make him over, before marriage that is. Learn where to draw the line, but do it gracefully. Remain innocent, but not ignorant. Bex Scott: [00:13:04] If all else fails, the magazine offered a section Wild Ideas, Anything Goes, which included tips such as get a hunting license and advertise for male co-owner of a boat. Okay, so we are still in the section of how to land him. Okay, a few more here. Make your home comfortable when he calls. Large ashtrays, comfortable chairs. Learn to play poker. If he's rich, tell him you like his money. The honesty will intrigue him. Wow. No, don't do that now. No. Never let him believe your career is more important to you than marriage. But on your first date, you're supposed to tell him that you're not interested in getting married. This makes no sense. Buy him an amusing or particularly appropriate present every once in a while, but don't make it too expensive. Clip and mail him a funny cartoon that means something to both of you. Oh my gosh, I thought they were going to say clip a piece of your hair. Oh, okay, we're still safe. Don't tell dirty stories. Stop being a momma's girl. Don't let him think he'll have in-law trouble even if you know he will. Point out to him that the death rate of single men is twice that of married men. Wow. That's subtle. Okay, here are the Wild Ideas, Anything Goes. Go to Yale. Get a hunting license. If your mother is fat, tell him you take after your father. If he's fat too, tell him you're adopted. Oh my gosh! Wow. Stow away on a battleship. Rent a billboard and post your picture and telephone number on it. Paint your name and number on the roof and say give me a buzz, pilots. Start a whispering campaign on how sought after you are. Sink at a fashionable beach at high noon. Ride the airport bus back and forth from the airport. Bribe ferris wheel operator to get you stuck on the top of a ferris wheel. Stand on a busy street corner with a lasso. Carry a camera and ask strange, handsome men if they would mind snapping your picture. Ask your mother to take in male boarders. What? Wow. Make and sell toupees. Bald men are easy catches. That's terrible. Advertise for male co-owner of a boat. If you see a man with a flat, offer to fix it. Is that before or after you're breaking down in different places around the city like they mentioned before? If you see a man with a flat, offer to fix it. Okay, said that one. Carry a tow chain in the trunk of your automobile. Let it be known in your office that you have a button box and will sew on bachelor's loose buttons. Don't marry him if he has too many loose buttons. The end. Bex Scott: [00:15:56] Okay, so that was the article, and I actually only read the first few lines of it and waited to read it on the podcast, so I'm pretty shocked about a lot of those. Oh my gosh. Okay, so after digging deep into that topic, I thought it would be fun to talk about how once you've found your husband, how to look after your husband. So this is from a 1950s Home Ec book, and it's an article clipping, kind of in the same vein as the other article. But you've already landed your husband, you're married, and now this is what you have to do to keep him happy. Okay, so number one, have dinner ready. Plan ahead even the night before to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home, and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed. Number two is prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc.. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. Bex Scott: [00:17:41] Number three. Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small. Comb their hair and if necessary, change their clothes. They're little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. There's definitely been a large number of times where my husband comes home from going out somewhere, and our two year old is just running around in a diaper. So I would have already failed this number here. Next, minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him. Some don'ts. Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair. Suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind. Listen to him. You may have a million things to tell him, but his arrival at home is not the time. Let him talk first. Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other forms of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to come home and relax. The goal? Try to make your home a place of peace in order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit. Wow. Okay. Thank goodness times have changed because I think I failed a good number of those points. Bex Scott: [00:19:35] Next up is the beauty schedule for busy young wives. So this was an interesting one because I know that well, it kind of depends on what type of beauty you're interested in, self-care, if you're interested in a lot of makeup, if you like to get your hair done frequently. It depends on your beauty rituals and routines on how you'll see this one but I don't do a lot in terms of hair and makeup. I'm pretty easy that way. So this was, I read through this schedule of the week and it was definitely interesting for me. Okay, so it says can you look your most attractive at a moment's notice? The secret is to have a weekly beauty plan like the one we outline here. 30 minutes or less a day is all the time it takes to keep you at your prettiest and ready for holiday partying anytime your husband says the word. Okay, here we go. Monday. A facial helps you start the week with a bright outlook. First, cleanse your face well with cream. Then apply a mask to your throat and face, being careful to keep it away from your eyes. This stimulates surface circulation and tightens pores. Remove the mask following directions on package about time and method. You'll feel and look fresher. Tuesday. Because you're on your feet so much, treat yourself to a pedicure and foot exercises. Only way pedicure differs from a manicure as you file toenails straight across. Easier on stockings and discourages ingrown nails. While your polish dries, spread and clench your toes by picking up marbles or roll a small bottle back and forth with the ball of each foot. Bex Scott: [00:21:25] Wednesday. Use a razor, depilatory wax or abrasive to de-fuzz your legs and underarms. Remember, this is a feminine must all year round. Not in the winter. Just kidding. Not really. And don't forget your eyebrows. Use tweezers to eliminate stray hairs and give a clean look. Follow the natural outline of your eyebrows for most flattering results. To complete the job apply a mild, soothing antiseptic. Thursday. Shampoo your hair or, if it doesn't need washing every week - every week, wow - give your scalp a thorough, relaxing massage. Before washing, brush your hair well. Then apply shampoo. Work up a good lather and scrub your scalp with your fingertips or a brush. Rinse well. Towel dry, again massaging scalp. It's a good time to wash your comb and brush too. Definitely if you're not even washing your hair once a week. Friday. Fit your weekly manicure into the day schedule. This includes shaping your nails, pushing back the cuticle, and applying polish. First a base coat, then two coats of colored polish topped with a sealer coat. Before starting assemble all the items you will need. Use a flat working surface to speed up the job and achieve a neater and smoother results. And last we have Saturday and Sunday. Reap the rewards of time well spent during the other five days of the week, and brush up on any grooming details that you find require a little extra attention. Now you know that with only a few minutes warning, you can step out looking and feeling your best. Above all, your husband will be more encouraged to suggest last minute plans. Bex Scott: [00:23:09] Well, that last article has made me realize how much I need to step it up during the week. I need to have my weekly beauty regimen. No, I don't think I'll go that far into things. But that is what I found for this episode on the 1950s housewife. How to find your man, how to keep him happy after you've married him, and how to keep yourself looking pretty for your man. So I would love to hear your feedback about what we just went through. Do you agree with parts of it? Do you think it's all crazy? You can find me on Instagram at Pyrex with Bex. I would love to chat with you. Thanks, everybody. 

New Zealand Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann joins with the latest on inflation, the outlook for housing in 2025 and some grim warnings about lower economic growth outlook.