The Front Page

Epizódok

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  How political parties plan to take on New Zealand’s supermarket giants 16.09.2026 22p

  National and Labour have both unveiled new plans to shake up the supermarket sector.   National wants to investigate splitting Foodstuffs into two competing nationwide groups, while Labour is promising to make price gouging illegal – not just for supermarkets, but a range of essential goods and services.   Both parties say they want to bring down the cost of living, but they’re taking very different approaches to the supermarket sector, while the minor parties have their own – not dissimilar ideas -  about how to shake up the market.   Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford is with us to unpack the new supermarket policies and what they tell us about how the election campaign is taking shape. 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.
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  Is politics costing NZ billions in wasted infrastructure planning? 15.09.2026 19p

  Infrastructure shapes our daily lives, but some might think that it's too often planned election by election.  Infrastructure New Zealand wants to put an end to stop-start funding and shifting priorities, launching "Let's Build NZ".  The campaign promises to put choices in front of voters and rate the parties against its eight priorities.  Today on The Front Page, Infrastructure NZ chief executive Nick Leggett is with us to explain what concrete changes he wants to see so we can build for generations, not just the next election.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane Yee  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Can’t afford KiwiSaver right now? Labour says your boss should still pay 6% 14.09.2026 18p

  What we should do with KiwiSaver continues to be a hot topic this election season.   The latest party to throw their idea into the ring is Labour, which wants to lift the employer contribution rate to 6% by 2032.  They would also introduce compulsory employer contributions, even when employees have paused or reduced their own share and extend employer contributions to workers over 65.  Nicola Willis was quick to call the policy a "watered-down" version of National's.  Both New Zealand First and National are proposing compulsory contributions for all workers but have also both announced policies that would automatically enrol babies and children.  Today on The Front Page, Labour's finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds is with us to talk us through the plan, and why it's actually different from other parties. 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.
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  ‘Auckland deserves this’: CRL to finally open after over 100 years of talk 11.09.2026 19p

  It's finally here, one of the biggest infrastructure projects New Zealand has ever seen.  After years of construction, disruption, and delays, the City Rail Link is finally a reality, which promises to transform the way people move through the heart of the city.  So, what does this mean for Auckland? How will it change the city? And will it all be worth the wait?  Today, we're on location at Te Waihorotiu station as Auckland marks this major milestone.  We'll be speaking to the Herald's property editor Anne Gibson, who's been reporting on the CRLfor decades, and Transport Minister Chris Bishop, who gets to cut the ribbon.  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.
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  Why the story about Kiwi kids being bad at maths isn’t quite adding up 10.09.2026 18p

  It feels like we're constantly being told that our kids are really bad at math.  In 2023, we were informed kids recorded their worst ever results in something called the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) exams.  It was called "disastrous", "disappointing" -- but, we'd heard it all before.  In 2020 the 13-year-olds recorded their worst-ever results in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, or TIMSS ... in 2023, almost 60% of Year 8s were failing maths according to something called the National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement, or NMSSA.  In 2024, data from the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study (CIPS) showed just 22% of Year 8s were at the expected curriculum benchmark for maths.  PISA, TIMSS, NMSSA, CIPS. What are all of these? Are Kiwi kids really that bad at maths? Or, is this just a case of cherry-picking from random data sets to suit a certain narrative?   Today on The Front Page, University of Auckland maths expert Dr Lisa Darragh is with us to try and make sense of all the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why aren’t funders investing in startups founded by women? 09.09.2026 13p

  New Zealand investment in women-only founding teams has more than tripled in a year, but a huge gender gap remains.  Gender Investment Gap University of Auckland Business School data shows these teams are still receiving less than six cents in every investment dollar, while male teams get 70 cents.  And while there's been more investment in women-led businesses, it starts falling away at later funding stages.  So, why does it all matter?   Today on The Front Page, founder of tech startup Dispute Buddy, Jenny Rudd is with us to discuss. 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.
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  Is the public service strike about pay, politics, or both? 08.09.2026 19p

  About 10,000 public servants are set to strike following prolonged pay negotiations.  While the Public Services Association says members are walking off the job for fair pay and better service delivery, the move has been accused of being politically motivated.  Public Service Minister Paul Goldsmith's pointed out pamphlets that read "change the government"... and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said they should all be at work.  But, the PSA says the workforce is at breaking point, pay is falling further behind the cost of living, and job cuts are now hitting the services New Zealanders rely on.  Today on The Front Page, PSA organiser Duane Leo is with us to explain what members are demanding and why they believe strike action is necessary. 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.
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  NZ's enrolment problem - where are the young voters? 07.09.2026 16p

  We’re seven weeks out from the general election, and nearly 190 thousand young people are missing from the roll. Only around 57% of 18-24 year olds have enrolled to vote, the lowest representation of any age group – and by a huge margin. Today on The Front Page we’re talking to Adriana Bird from On a Roll, a nonpartisan campaign which aims to help young people to enrol and vote. We're asking why young people are so disengaged with democracy and what it will take to get them to the polls on November 7.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Should your fuel tax and road-user charges pay for roadside sculptures? 04.09.2026 19p

  New Zealanders spend billions of dollars every year on transport, through fuel taxes, road-user charges, rates and tolls.  But the Act Party says we're not getting enough for what we're spending.  New Zealand has spent an average of 5.8% of GDP on infrastructure each year over the past couple of decades, towards the highest of the OECD. Yet we rank towards the bottom for getting bang for our buck.  Today on The Front Page, Act's infrastructure spokesperson Simon Court is with us to walk through his party's plans to make every transport dollar deliver. 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.
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  Is Auckland congestion charging fair when so many still can’t rely on public transport? 03.09.2026 16p

  For Aucklanders, sitting in traffic can feel like an unavoidable part of life.   But, what if you had to pay to do it?  Auckland Council is considering congestion charging, with three options on the table that could see drivers charged between $2 and $7.  Supporters say it could get traffic moving and raise money for improvements – but critics are asking whether we have enough alternatives to make it work.  Today on The Front Page, University of Auckland senior lecturer in urban planning Dr Timothy Welch joins us to explain how it could work and what we can learn from cities overseas. 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.
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  What do absent leaders say about the future of the Pacific Islands Forum? 02.09.2026 15p

  The diplomatic chess board is getting complicated in the Pacific.  At least five Pacific leaders have pulled out of the annual Pacific Island Forum in Palau this week.   Meanwhile, China's Pacific envoy says there will be consequences for Taiwan being allowed to send representatives to the forum.  It's while the US and New Zealand team up to co-fund a Cook Islands port upgrade – a potential blow for China, who has a controversial "strategic partnership" with the island nation.  Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Alexander Gillespie is with us to break down why leaders are skipping the forum and how China's leverage in the Pacific 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Debt vs delivery: the trust problem behind NZ’s borrowing debate 01.09.2026 18p

  New Zealand’s debt burden has nearly doubled in 10 years.  But, there are signs the country’s borrowing habits are becoming more sustainable.  New Zealand businesses have boosted their borrowings by more than $6 billion in the last year to $143b, which is a potential sign of rising confidence in the economy.  So, is debt really as bad as we think – or are the numbers telling a more nuanced story about households, businesses, and the government?  Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann is with us to examine the numbers behind the nation’s march towards $1 trillion in 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.
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  ‘Meh’: Uni students unimpressed by National's loan plan 31.08.2026 16p

  National is promising to crack down on people abroad who are failing to pay back their student loans.  If re-elected, the party would ease compulsory student loan repayments from 12 percent to 10 percent - and charge those living overseas an extra one percent in annual interest.  Arrest warrants could be sought for serious, ongoing defaults.  Leader Christopher Luxon has said 93% of overdue payments are overseas, and about 21% of overseas borrowers haven't paid back for 15 years and have no payment plan.  But, is this holding the country's young people to ransom? Is it their fault that there are more, higher-paid opportunities overseas?   Today on The Front Page, Victoria University Student Association president Aidan Donoghue is with us. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Inside the desperate response to Nepal’s devastating floods 28.08.2026 14p

  Searches continue through the devastation in Nepal after a catastrophic flash flood.  More than 389 people have been killed and there are reportedly 1300 people missing, including at least 700 foreigners from two dozen countries.  Our officials understand at least five New Zealanders are believed to have been impacted.  Rescuers are battling severe conditions as they race to find survivors.   Today on The Front Page, World Vision international external engagement and strategy director Uma Mager joins us from Nepal to give an update about what it's like on the ground, and more importantly what we can all do to help. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is this finally the economic turning point New Zealand has been waiting for? 27.08.2026 18p

  Could we FINALLY be at an economic turning point?   Westpac economists have forecast the economy will return to growth in the current quarter.  They reckon there'll be 2.1% growth across 2026 – even picking up to 3% next year ... with exports and tourism doing the heavy lifting.  So, are we out of the woods - or is this just a brief respite before the next shock?  Today on The Front Page, Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold joins us to break down what it means for your wallet, your job, your mortgage – and whether this recovery is for real.  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.
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  Can councils deliver more with less under a 4% rates limit? 26.08.2026 17p

  The Government wants to force councils to keep rate hikes at a maximum 4% from 2029.  Councils would be expected to prepare for the change from next July.  Local Government Minister Simon Watts has said it'll ease cost-of-living pressures and get councils back to basics.  But, what will a lower income coming in mean for our core services? And how do we get councils to spend more wisely?  Local Government New Zealand reckons councils can't be expected to deliver more infrastructure and support growth with fewer levers.  Today on The Front Page, the Taxpayer's Union's Jordan Williams is with us to walk through the numbers and what our rates bills might look like in future.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane Yee  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is banning social media the best way to protect children online? 25.08.2026 22p

  The Government's pushing ahead with banning social media for under-16s.  It mirrors rules that took effect in Australia last year - requiring the likes of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to bring in stronger age verification.  If they don't, the social media giants could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.  But coalition partners Act and NZ First both agree to disagree with it - and Christopher Luxon has admitted the bill won't get a look-in before the election.   So, what's the point? Will these measures even work? And what are the risks of getting it wrong?  Today on The Front Page, Tech Users Association of New Zealand CEO Craig Young is with us to break down the bill, how age checks would actually work, and what we can learn from overseas experience. 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.
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  Are New Zealanders willing to pay more tax if they see better results? 24.08.2026 19p

  National is committing to no new taxes if re-elected – but the jury is still out over whether that means no tinkering to existing taxes. This means the party is scrapping both a bed tax and bank tax – something that's disappointed Mayors in tourism hotspots around the country. Meanwhile, Labour's banking on its capital gains tax to get us back to surplus by 2029/30. They released their fiscal strategy at the weekend, targeting spending and revenue at around 33% of GDP - and net debt at 20% "over time". So, what do these competing approaches mean for the economy, and for taxpayers. Today on The Front Page, independent economist Cameron Bagrie is with us to explain who stands to win or lose, and what voters should be looking for in the numbers before election day. 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.
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  Would you want a flu warning system for your region? 21.08.2026 16p

  Severe respiratory illness rates are now the highest they've been in the last decade, mostly because of the flu.  It comes as ambulance services struggle to meet demand, and Health NZ urges people to save emergency departments for emergencies.  RNZ reported this week that hospitals have even created dedicated flu wards and some elective surgery is being cancelled as influenza A hits the health system.  So, why has this flu season been so late, so sharp, and so severe – and what does it mean for our hospitals, our most vulnerable, and the rest of winter?  Today on The Front Page, University of Otago epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker is with us to break down what’s driving this surge and what all of us can do to stay well and keep pressure off the health system. 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.
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  If the Mount Maunganui landslide risk was known, why was nothing done? 20.08.2026 15p

  The Mount Maunganui landslide has been described as "preventable".  A damning review into the disaster has revealed a litany of failures by authorities who “missed several opportunities” to evacuate campers to safety.  Six people died after the slip crashed into the campground on January 22.  It's now been revealed that over decades, "one consultant after another" warned Tauranga City Council of the risks at the holiday spot at the bottom of the mountain.  Today on The Front Page, University of Canterbury senior lecturer in disaster risk and resilience, Dr Tom Robinson is with us to take us through what happened, who is to blame, and what next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.