New Zealand newspaper
POPULARITY
Categories
Copies of text messages just released by Treasury confirm Adrian Orr was likely to be sacked if he didn't resign as Reserve Bank Governor. The process was so advanced, Secretary to the Treasury Iain Rennie warned Finance Minister Nicola Willis she might receive a recommendation from the Reserve Bank board to advise the Governor-General to remove Orr. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further, LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Heather Roy and Ian Powell. First up, there's a strong warning from the Public Service Commissioner to primary school teachers that they'll hurt students and their families if they go on strike. Then, are the days of the election hoardings over? An NZ Herald editorial says they are outdated. Will you miss them if they go?
This week on The Big League Podcast - Warriors hooker Sam Healey opens up on the daunting challenge of do-or-die finals footy against the Penrith Panthers at Mt Smart, debriefs the loss to Manly and how he's found his first season in Auckland. Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Chris Reive tackle the hot topic of the NRL's scheduling - are you going to watch the Warriors or the All Blacks?? Stupid question.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A police officer's undergoing surgery after being shot in the head by Marokopa fugitive Tom Phillips - as the search continues for two of his children. Police were alerted to a burglarly in Piopio around 2.30am, and laid spikes on a rural road more than half an hour away. That brought the quad bike Phillips and one of his children were travelling on to a stop - and an officer approached, but he was shot with a high-powered rifle. A second officer shot Phillips, who died at the scene. NZ Herald reporter Jamie Lyth is in Marokopa - and she joined the Afternoons team with the latest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The bulk of New Zealand First's announcements are expected today for the final day of its annual conference. Party members and supporters have gathered in Palmerston North along with surprise guest Stuart Nash, a former Labour Minister. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says up to 1000 people are expected for Winston Peters' address this afternoon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before he died, rugby star Shane Christie sent a secret NZ Rugby report to the NZ Herald, claiming its findings needed to be released to keep future rugby players safe. The report describes a detailed safety-net of measures Christie insisted be explored in the hope NZ Rugby would improve player safety. NZ Herald investigative reporter David Fisher received the report - and he weighed in on the secrecy around the data. "There were many things that were raised in there that Shane was very keen to have explored." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are fears the Government's proposal to change who is liable for shonky buildings risks leaving homeowners in the lurch. The Government is proposing to prevent local councils from being lumped with big bills if they consent buildings that turn out to be leaky or defective. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny reveals why homeowners have voiced concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are fears the Government's proposal to change who is liable for shonky buildings risks leaving homeowners in the lurch. The Government is proposing to prevent local councils from being lumped with big bills if they consent buildings that turn out to be leaky or defective. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny reveals why homeowners have voiced concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leicester Fainga'anuku is back in the All Blacks after the NZR board ticked off his eligibility early. The powerful Tasman back has been called in for NPC teammate Timoci Tavatavanawai, who is out for three months with a broken arm. NZ Herald rugby writer Liam Napier joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Big League Podcast - Warriors halfback Tanah Boyd opens up on getting dropped by Andrew Webster just a few weeks ago and how he's turned his game around ahead of the NRL playoffs. Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Michael Burgess will react to that alleged knock-on, look ahead to the Warriors' final regular season game against Manly and evaluate their finals hopes now they've dropped to sixth. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor joins Francesca Rudkin to review this weeks' top local politics stories. Is it normal for the taxpayers to pay for the legal advice the government received during COVID? Will New Zealand follow suit with Australia and remove the Iranian ambassador following recent anti-semitic attacks? And what does the Government's new Business Investor Visa do for foreign investors? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A controversial knock-on call has left the Warriors' NRL top four hopes hanging by a thread as they fell 26-22 to the Eels at Mt Smart. The Warriors —who at one stage faced a 16-point deficit— stormed back in the contest, only to have a late Adam Pompey try that would've seen them take the lead denied by the bunker due to a knock-on in the kick chase. D'Arcy Waldegrave was joined by NZ Herald Sports Journalist Ben Francis to break down the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been revealed the Reserve Bank chairman sent a warning letter to Treasury in the wake of Adrian Orr's resignation. Neil Quigley warned that it would 'immediately destroy the goodwill' between the two entities if it publicly released details of the fateful meeting. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson was moderating the debate and joins Emile Donovan to discuss.
It's been revealed the Reserve Bank chairman sent a warning letter to Treasury in the wake of Adrian Orr's resignation. Neil Quigley warned that it would 'immediately destroy the goodwill' between the two entities if it publicly released details of the fateful meeting. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A group of concussion researchers have likened Run It Straight events to “dwarf tossing”, where organisers turn “real human risk and harm into a spectacle”. There are growing calls to ban these events – where two people tun head-to-head at each other before making body-jarring contact. These ‘sporting spectacles’ have gained popularity in recent times – with competitors promised thousands of dollars for winning. The social media driven craze made international headlines earlier this year when 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died after suffering head injuries in an impromptu contest with friends. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald reporter Neil Reid is with us to take us through the latest on the world’s newest full-contact competition. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s been a leadership shakeup at the Royal NZ Police college, after a recruit debacle. It’s while a newly released survey of training officers has found two thirds were concerned about probationary cops’ understanding of police responsibilities when holding suspects in custody. It also found 55% feel new cops were ‘barely or not at all’ well equipped with knowledge of arrest and charge procedures. All of this while the government is slowly backing away from its hardline promise of 500 new cops on the beat by November. NZ Herald senior investigative reporter, Michael Morrah has been looking into the police recruitment process, and joins us now on The Front Page. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The NZ Herald got exclusive access to a survey of senior police where they have raised issues that new recruits are "barely" or "not at all equipped" of policies to make an arrest or lay charges. This raises the question is this government more focused on getting 500 new police officers rather than having those police officers be quality and qualified.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hits out at Israel over Gaza famine to which Netanyahu responds. This will not, however, hasten the 'Palestinian statehood' decision from our government.Henry Blakeman is a 13-year-old student from Orewa College with a passion for politics. He recently appeared on Dom Harvey's podcast and put some questions to the Deputy Prime Minister, David Seymour, one of which has now set the gold standard for word salad which we'll break down tonight. Sean 'Karen' Plunket released a video this morning where he cries over non-access to Christopher Luxon. He has a written a letter to the PM demanding an answer as to why he hasn't been on the Platform citing that perhaps someone in the PM's "woke millennial members of your media team" might be running interference stopping the invites from getting through. It's bot hilarious and incredibly telling how entitled Karen thinks he is.=================================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
This week on The Big League Podcast - Warriors centre Rocco Berry talks through overcoming their hoodoo against the Gold Coast Titans and the mental toll of repeated injuries. Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Michael Burgess discuss how much we can take from a win over the potential wooden-spooners and explain why the 14th-placed Eels are set to be a mighty challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Women's Rugby World Cup has officially kicked off, with England's clash against the USA. D'Arcy Waldegrave caught up with NZ Herald columnist Alice Soper as she waited in line to enter the stadium. She broke down the event and touched on some of the key Black Ferns players as they seek to defend their title. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog's David Farrar and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! David Seymour says the coalition isn't saving as much money as ACT would have. What do we make of this? Police Commissioner Richard Chambers gave an interview to the NZ Herald saying we should feel lucky to live in New Zealand. What do we make of this? A Wellington restaurant is asking people to sign a contract before taking leftovers home.. to ensure they're not liable for any food safety issues. Is this over the top? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the Springboks shock loss to the Wallabies the All Blacks shot back up to the number 1 ranked international rugby side in the world, a title they haven't held since November 2021. But what does this even mean? Should we even care? D'Arcy Waldegrave caught up with NZ Herald rugby analyst Gregor Paul to ask these questions and what implications the rankings have on the Rugby World Cup seeding process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Blues are poised to head across town to Mount Smart for two Super Rugby games next year. The New Zealand Herald reports the Blues are still planning to play most of their games at their usual Eden Park base, but are looking closely across town. NZ Herald sports journalist Michael Burgess joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can you know who you are if you don't know where you came from? After NZ Herald journalist Rachel Maher learned she was conceived via sperm donation, she set out to learn more about her biological father. She joined the Afternoons team to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 18th of August 2025, just when we thought the days of buying a car with a wound back odometer had gone, new stories of the practice are emerging in a court case. And then some amazing stories of family re-unifications after NZ Herald writer Rachel Maher asked: 'How can you know who you are if you don't know where you came from?' 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.
This week on The Big League Podcast - Warriors centre Adam Pompey touts Taine Tuaupiki's commitment in playing the Dragons despite having a baby that morning. Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Michael Burgess analyse an ugly but gritty victory, evaluate why the Warriors' spot in the top four feels so flimsy and look ahead to what surely, SURELY can't be another loss to the Titans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealanders are well on their way to a collective $1 trillion in debt. At the current rate of growth, we’ll hit that landmark inside the next three years. Current gross debt sits at more than 870 billion for the year to May. At the same time, five years after Covid hit and the Government is still paying the price. Core Crown borrowings rose 11% in a year, hitting $239 billion—that's 156% higher than in May 2019. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann joins us to delve into our Nation of Debt. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Luxon is defending saying Israel's leader has 'lost the plot' in the face of pushback. The Prime Minister criticised Benjamin Netanyahu over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where people are starving. Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister responded that Luxon can't comprehend the challenges of facing Hamas. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Luxon's put his own views out there - in a change of pace from factoring in Winston Peters and David Seymour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank is moving to cut 20 percent of its staff in a bid to unwind the hiring spree by former Governor Adrian Orr. The restructure will see the net reduction on 142 roles, including 35 vacant positions. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An article in the NZ Herald recently explored the realities of a private investigator who specialises in missing people, debt recovery and cheating spouses - and it's sparked discussion about the nature of the role. Private investigator Dion Neill joined the Afternoons team to reveal that the services they offer do tend to vary, as they cover a wide range of areas. "A lot of what we do now is obtaining evidence. We do a lot of work with law firms, we do a lot of work with some businesses - small, medium, enterprises - and occasionally, the odd Government agency." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Greens claim they're leading the opposition, while they push a radical tax shakeup. The Party's AGM continues in the capital today, which kicked off with a rally from co-leader Marama Davidson yesterday. NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor explained that Chlöe Swarbrick was due to speak today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Building Nations conference kicked off today, with the nation's major political parties seemingly aligned on future infrastructure. National's Chris Bishop and Labour's Kieran McAnulty spoke this afternoon, and they appeared to be united about future partnerships. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With F1 starting a much needed summer break the NZ Herald’s Alex Powell joins us with some thoughts on the sport he loves. Lando Norris is looking stronger as the 2025 title fight seesaws between the McLaren drivers. Drawing parallels with the 2016 championship battle between the then Mercedes drivers as Lando and Oscar Piastri make this a clear two horse race. Why Liam Lawson will be on the grid in 2026 and it’s not just his current form rebound that justifies it! Some perspective on Yuki Tsunoda and the second RedBull seat as Lewis Hamilton appears to be losing the race against time. Plus backing Kimi Antonelli for the long term in a world that wants instant results. Oh and some thoughts on Louis Sharp in F3, Shane van Gisbergen getting the hang of NASCAR ovals and Scott McLaughlin coming back stronger from a wretched year in Indycar. Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know who you want to hear from on Rusty's Garage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming might have struggled to hold on to his suppression order. He faces eight charges of possessing objectionable material containing child exploitation and bestiality. A gag order lapsed today. NZ Herald investigative reporter Jared Savage revealed major media companies had joined to oppose the order continuing. "Given the significant public interest in this, I think it would have been very hard for a judge to maintain the status quo." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The All Blacks have lost one of their most influential players for the start of their Rugby Championship campaign. Halfback Cameron Roigard will miss the beginning of the competition due to a stress fracture in his foot. NZ Herald rugby writer Liam Napier joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disappointment for the New Zealand Warriors and their fans at the last-gasp NRL defeat at home to the Dolphins last night. Leading 18-16 in the 79th minute at Mt Smart, Redcliffe winger Jamayne Isaako then scored the match-winning try to take the points, 20-18. Michael Burgess was at the game and told Jason Pine some overly safe calls late on to die with the ball on the last tackle, as well as a fateful decision to not take a penalty shot. He says that the loss of confidence and mojo as well as the injury crisis is happening at the worst possible time, and it's really stalled the Warriors' momentum. To make matters worse, the Broncos then closed to within a win of the fourth-placed Warriors with a 60-14 demolition of the Rabbitohs. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister believes the United States' tariff hike of 15 percent was a blunt and late decision. The US announced the increase for New Zealand exporters, while the UK and Australia remain at 10 percent. Trade Minister Todd McClay's been invited by his US counterpart to visit and discuss the tariffs. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says it's expected McClay will make the trip in the next two weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today’s show: We're launching our campaign to get Jono crowned in the NZ Herald's Best Baldie poll... but will he actually take the win? Megan’s toddler put herself to bed by doing the same thing nonstop—for 40 straight minutes! And why does Ben have a book all about someone called Denis the Birthday? Who even is Denis? Instagram: @THEHITSBREAKFASTFacebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & MeganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government has given the green light to a partial privatisation for KiwiBank. The bank now has the opportunity to raise up to $500 million from investors. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the deal further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Panel hears from the owner of NZ knitwear company Norsewear who sent a "cheeky" letter to NZ Rugby saying their All Blacks beanies should be made out of wool and not polyester. And they hear from a local resident of Taumarunui which has just been featured in the NZ Herald as first-time buyer-friendly town. they learn why we should all move to Taumarunui.
The Government are in trouble in a couple of areas: 1) FamilyBoost. What they said would happen, numbers wise, didn't. 2) Police recruits. What they said would happen, will not. 3) The ban on foreign buyers for houses now looks farcical. Yesterday's attempt by the NZ Herald to make some Winston Peters' comments look like news was a beat up, because he said the same thing to me two months ago. Saying the same thing, with nothing new or any change in between, is not news. It's the status quo. What makes the Peters' stance, and therefore the Government damage, unusual is Peters' stance is inexplicable. FamilyBoost got messed up because IRD gave the Government poor advice. The police recruit issue is bad because being a cop is hard, a lot of cops leave, and Australia offers sunshine and beaches, and they are actively making offers. But on the upside, the golden visa is working. People with money have applied and there are hundreds of millions, heading towards billions, in play. But we still want them to rent or use Airbnb. The level of stupidity in that is inescapable and inexcusable. National had a policy of $2 million a house – anything over that a foreigner could buy. Peters didn't like it, fine. National moved that to $5-6 million. Locals here aren't buying those houses. Peters still won't move. He says a deal is coming. But the critical questions are, why would you burn goodwill inside a coalition and why would you risk reputational damage internationally? The same bloke who is holding us to ransom is the same bloke who has travelled the world telling said world we are open. And yet, we are not. If this Government is to survive, and possibly prosper, the simple stuff cannot afford to be an issue. We need money and we need investment and the jobs and growth that brings. It must be part of a package, and the package comes with a home. Peters gets that, I know he does. And yet, nothing. Small word to National and Luxon – how about some hardball? How long do you want to look like the weak guys, the dog being wagged by the tail? National's biggest problem, apart from Peters, is time. Next year, the country makes a decision on all this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wallace Chapman and the Politics Panel discuss and analyse the main political stories of the day. He is joined this week by RNZ's Corin Dann, the NZ Herald's Fran O'Sullivan and former government minister Phil Goff. On the slate today: Nicola Willis says Kiwis are not getting a raw deal from high butter prices (after meeting the CEO of Fonterra); Defence Minister Judith Collins told a crowd of graduating Army recruits last week that they should prepare for "combat"; just 38 percent of respondents to a Talbot Mills poll say the government deserved a second term; is the government using locla councils as a whipping boy and National seems to have found a bright spot in one area of it's party policy: Education.
The Treasury has confirmed concerns were raised about former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr's conduct. Its comment comes as it responds to an allegation there was more to Orr's departure than the public has been led to believe. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A legal battle has swayed in media's favour - now allowed to report child sex exploitation and bestiality imagery were allegedly discovered on work devices of former Police Deputy Commissioner, Jevon McSkimming. They were allegedly found while he was under a separate criminal investigation, the details of which can't be legally reported. He resigned suddenly in May after being suspended on full pay since December. The Herald's Jared Savage told Ryan Bridge details had to be kept secret after McSkimming's lawyer filed an urgent application in the High Court. He says media organisations banded together to successfully challenge the injunction stopping reporting on the nature of the material. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ANZ has declined a proposed settlement by lawyers leading a massive class action against the bank for giving customers the wrong information about their loans. The lawyers asked ANZ to agree to pay a penalty of up to $300 million, on top of the $35 million it has already paid more than 100,000 customers to compensate them for the error. ASB, which is also subject to the class action, is yet to respond to the proposal for it to also make a payment of up to $300 million. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
40 years ago, two bombs went off in Auckland's harbour when French agents targeted a Greenpeace ship. It was meant to be a warning against anti-nuclear protests, but the death of a photographer on board sparked a major police and political response. From the NZ Herald and Bird of Paradise Productions, this six-part series re-examines the bombing, the events leading up to it, the investigation that followed, and the ongoing fallout from this case and the French nuclear testing. Search for 'A Forgotten History' on your preferred podcast app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unions are urging Uber to consider New Zealanders needs - after drivers protested outside the Supreme Court today. It's over an Uber appeal of a 2022 ruling that deemed four drivers employees, allowed things like sick leave and holiday pay. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Hipkins won't commit to appearing before the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid response. The Labour leader earlier said the terms of reference for the second stage - which is currently underway - provide a platform for conspiracies. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Hipkins has some good points - but the Government at the time did make decisions that intruded on people's rights. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former broadcaster and journalist Oriini Kaipara is putting her name forward to be Te Pāti Māori's Tāmaki Makaurau candidate after Takutai Tarsh Kemp died, triggering a by-election. Kaipara has an extensive broadcasting background and has worked for Mai FM, TVNZ, Māori TV and Newshub - where she presented the Saturday morning politics-heavy show The Nation. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says nominations close this afternoon, with more to be revealed in the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simon Wilson is a Senior Writer for the NZ Herald.