The Front Page
Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.
Can New Zealand stop supermarkets charging ‘excessive’ prices?
Kiwis are constantly wondering why their groceries are so expensive.
The Green Party is the latest to promise a fix in the way of a members bill aimed at banning price gouging by the supermarket duopoly, which has a whopping 82% market share.
New rules would aim to prohibit supermarkets from charging prices that are excessive when compared to the cost of supplying groceries.
Breaches could see a company fined up to $10 million or 10% of turnover.
But, what constitutes “excessive”? And how would it be policed?
Today on The Front Page, Green...
RNZ cuts jobs as MediaWorks changes hands and Santamaria heads to court
A drawn-out employment legal dispute, the sale of one of the country’s top media companies, fears AI could take newsroom jobs, and RNZ planning to cut roles.
The Kamahl Santamaria saga continues as the former broadcaster and TVNZ head to court next week.
Meanwhile, do the Aussies have what it takes to shake up our media landscape? And will AI take over our newsrooms?
All this while RNZ prepares to cut up to 30 roles as part of a major cost-cutting move.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald’s Media Insid...
NZ’s council shake-up explained: Who could merge?
The Government's working through merger proposals from councils around the country.
City and district councils were given until this week to pitch plans to create larger unitary councils, to replace existing local and regional councils.
Approved plans are due to be signed off next year and take effect after local elections in 2028.
So who’s likely to merge with who? What regions are deeply split? How will it all work out? And most importantly, how will it affect you?
Today on The Front Page, Gisborne Mayor and Local Government New Zealand presid...
Luxon survives the coup — but is National’s civil war over?
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is staying in the top job.
He's emerged from another confidence vote with the support of his caucus.
National MPs were summoned to Wellington for an urgent meeting this morning - after speculation about a potential coup.
The meeting ran for three hours.
But, questions remain... What happened behind closed doors? What will happen to the detractors?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford joins us from Wellington to break it all down.
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Is Christopher Luxon about to lose the National Party leadership?
Speculation is mounting over Christopher Luxon’s future as National Party leader, with reports of caucus unrest putting his leadership back under the spotlight.
NZ Herald Senior Correspondent Katie Bradford joins Chelsea to examine how serious the threat is, who could be waiting in the wings, and if National can really change leaders this close to an election.
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Are National's new fiscal rules tough discipline or political marketing?
National has unveiled new fiscal rules promising tighter spending, lower debt and no new taxes on working New Zealanders. But Taxpayers’ Union executive director Jordan Williams argues much of it repackages existing policy and questions whether the Government has delivered on its earlier promises to rein in spending and return to surplus.
He joins Chelsea Daniels to discuss government debt, where meaningful spending cuts could come from, what actually counts as a tax, and whether National’s new language around “working people” risks muddying its election pitch on tax.
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It turns out size does matter. The AI data centre debate hits NZ
Data centres are not a new phenomenon, but hyperscale AI data centres? Well, that's a whole other conversation.
There are currently no AI hyperscale data centres in New Zealand, but that looks to change with plans already approved to build one in the South Island. Not everyone's happy about it, including the Greens who have called for one-year moratorium on consenting new AI data centres.
Today on The Front Page, University of Auckland AI expert Dr Kerry McInerney joins Chelsea to discuss how big data became such a big deal.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
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CRL: The long road to Auckland’s big city future
It feels like Auckland is entering its big city era.
New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project ever, the City Rail Link will open to passengers on September 13.
It’s being touted as being truly transformative for the country’s biggest city ... a city that is rapidly growing.
And that’s partly thanks to the Fast-Track scheme – which has meant developers don’t need to jump through as many hoops to get things moving. But, at what cost?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson is with us to unpack...
Is 5.6% unemployment just the start of a longer slump?
Unemployment has risen again – and it’s worse than everyone expected.
Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate increased to 5.6 percent in the June quarter.
That's up from 5.4 percent in the March quarter and it's slighter higher than most economists were predicting.
So, what does that mean? Should we panic? Or is this just part and parcel of an economy in recovery?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to break down the numbers and what it means for our future.
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Can Luxon repair the damage with small business before the election?
The Prime Minister is in damage control mode after telling struggling business owners in Rotorua to “be adult”.
Christopher Luxon made the remarks at a business event, and they’ve sparked a fierce backlash.
He’s since had to apologise after being labelled out of touch and patronising.
So, is this a gaffe that’ll keep haunting him, or just a bad week in a challenging political environment? And what does it say about how the Government sees its role in supporting or stepping back from struggling businesses?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Chie...
‘It’s a stupid policy’: Union slams Act’s proposal to remove disruptive students
Act wants to give teachers the legal power to remove disruptive students from the classroom.
Staff would be able to use “reasonable force” to do so – and there’d be a mandatory stand-down or suspension for any students who assaulted another student, teacher, or staff member.
Parents would be required to attend a meeting – if they don’t rock up, they could be fined $300 for a first offence, rising to $3000 for repeat offenses.
But just how big is the problem here? Are classrooms really this disrupted and would these changes actually help?
Today on The Front Page, P...
The South Island’s economic power play ahead of Election 2026
It’s a battle of the islands to become New Zealand’s economic engine room.
All eight South Island Chambers of Commerce have launched a joint election manifesto highlighting their $100 billion contribution to the economy.
They’re calling for more investment and productivity with the goal of lifting South Island GDP per capita to $130,000 by 2035.
Representing around 7000 businesses, it’s the first time they’ve all come together to push for political parties to pay closer attention to the south.
Today on The Front Page, Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson is with us to...
Do school uniform rules do more harm than good?
Go onto any parents group in the country and you’ll find comments about arbitrary school uniform rules.
Socks falling down, no scarves in class, skirts instead of shorts, and no t-shirts underneath despite not seeing them – and that’s just what our team has seen.
And that’s all before we talk about the costs that come with a compulsory uniform. The Act Party is campaigning to make school uniforms more affordable, saying some families are spending well over $1000 a year.
The University of Otago’s Dr Johanna Reidy has been involved in research to find out if unifor...
The $30b time bomb facing the next Govt
New Zealand’s superannuation problem is something that constantly rears its head.
Whether it’s abolishing MPs’ gold-plated super scheme, if we should introduce means testing, or heighten the retirement age – one thing’s always clear... our status quo is untenable.
The annual cost of NZ Super has already risen from less than $20 billion in 2023 to $24.7b this financial year, and is forecast to pass $30b in 2030.
Meanwhile, the annual superbill for older migrants has hit a billion dollars – five years after Parliament tightened eligibility.
So, what are the real pressure points in the system and how...
Should the Government extend fuel support as prices dip below $3?
91 petrol is set to stay below $3 a litre for the fourth week in a row, and that means the $50 weekly fuel payment for working families should be coming to an end.
The Government has always said any support would be timely, temporary and targeted — but with so much volatility in the Middle East, should it be extended?
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has said she’ll take advice to Cabinet next week about extending the payment.
But, there’s also the argument that this is all part of a bigger picture: New Zealand lagging behind other countries on...
Critics say National's promise of 30 weeks parental leave isn't enough
The National Party has promised to gradually extend paid parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks by 2029 if re-elected.
That would see the entitlement lift to 27 weeks in next year’s Budget, before rising again in the following two Budgets.
The announcement came days after NZ First candidate Stuart Nash resigned his candidacy after calling National MP Katie Nimon lazy for taking leave after having a baby.
But, some commentators have said the plan doesn’t go far enough.
Today on The Front Page, military veteran, leadership expert and founder of #workschoolhours movement, Dr Ellen Joan For...
Why a narrow strait could tip the Middle East crisis further
The conflict in the Middle East is widening fast.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have targeted Saudi Arabian ships in the Red Sea - threatening to cut off a crucial route for the kingdom's oil exports.
The price of oil has surpassed 100 US-dollars a barrel for the first time since May.
Meanwhile the US has carried out its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran.
So, what’s really going on here? Is this the start of a broader regional crisis, or are we seeing a dangerous standoff that could yet be contained?
Today o...
Is now the best time for first-home buyers to act?
New Zealand’s housing market remains firmly in buyers’ favour.
Sales activity is continuing to weaken and property values are showing little sign of a broad-based recovery.
But, while first-home buyers remain active, investors are pulling back, with some wary of what a shifting political and tax environment could mean for returns.
So, what’s really going on here? Is this just a subdued patch, or a market that’s lost its heat for longer?
Today on The Front Page, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson is with us to unpack where housing st...
Is the Fast-track Act delivering growth or creating problems?
The Fast-track Approvals Act has been in force since December 2024, and it was sold as a simpler, faster way to get projects moving.
Since then, it’s been tied to everything from new homes to aquaculture, farming projects, roads and public transport, but it’s also drawn plenty of criticism along the way.
NZ First is still pushing for Ministers to have the final say on what gets approved, despite that idea facing strong pushback through the select committee process.
And now we’re seeing some of the real-world fallout, with projects like a controversial 1...
Why inflation is up again and what’s really driving it
Inflation has hit 4.1% - the highest level in more than two years.
Economists had expected it surge to somewhere between 3.9 and 4.1 percent.
However, the end result is well below some previous forecasts, which reached 4.9%.
If we ignored the surging fuel prices, Westpac economists reckon inflation would be about 2.8 percent.
So what does this actually mean for the cost of living, for interest rates, and for the story of the New Zealand economy in 2026?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to unpack how we...
Spain lifted the Fifa World Cup trophy - but did controversy steal the show?
Spain have beaten Argentina to win the Fifa World Cup for the second time in history.
It caps off a tournament that delivered drama on the pitch – and a long list of controversies off it.
From sky‑high ticket prices and visa headaches, to political grandstanding and fresh questions over Fifa’s priorities, many fans are wondering whether this World Cup was still about the football – or about power and money.
So what does the tournament tell us about where the global game is heading – and where to from here for the world’s biggest sporting even...
Are voters looking for politicians or celebrity in 2026?
The idea of a celebrity running for office is nothing new.
All over the world, ex TV stars, movie icons, and comedians try their hand at a new role: politician.
This week, Election 2026 has been rocked by the announcement that ex-broadcaster Paul Henry will be entering the fray – running for the Act Party.
There have been countless headlines, interviews, and analysis since the surprise move.
But, is it that surprising? Why do we get so swept up in name recognition and does it ever really work out well?
Today on The Front Page, Newst...
How H5N1 reached NZ and what it means for our birds
H5N1 bird flu has landed in New Zealand.
The positive result from a brown skua found at Wellington’s Petone Beach is the country’s first case of the strain.
For months, officials, farmers, and DOC workers have been bracing for this moment, trying to protect our wildlife from a virus that’s already devastated birds around the world.
We’ve been one of the last places on Earth untouched by H5N1. That’s no longer true.
So, how likely is it to spread, which animals are at risk, and should anyone be...
The part of politics Paul Henry admits he’s not ready for
Ex broadcaster Paul Henry is running for Act in the upcoming election.
He stood for National in 1999 but is best known for hosting TVNZ's Breakfast in the mid-2000s.
Henry’s long media career has been marked by a string of public controversies, many of which have led to him being criticised for his offensive and inflammatory remarks.
So, with Act stagnant in polls - will this colourful personality be the party’s secret weapon or agent of chaos – or both?
Today on The Front Page, Paul Henry joins us to discuss why politi...
Is NZ’s supermarket duopoly our biggest cost of living threat?
Don’t you think it’s time for New Zealand to have more supermarket options?
The Government's announced a new guide for international chains wanting to set up shop here. It’s all in the hope of luring overseas investors to break up our duopoly grocery sector.
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has said the guidelines are like rolling out a red carpet for those looking here to invest – but, the question is, will anyone actually want to walk it?
Today on The Front Page, Grocery Action Group chair Sue Chetwin is with us to ex...
What Trump's next move could mean for Iran and its neighbours
The United States has unleashed its biggest round of strikes on Iran in weeks.
The US has said it struck about 140 Iranian military sites – which prompted Tehran to attack allies in the region, including Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar.
Meanwhile, Washington insists that the Strait of Hormuz is open, despite Iran saying it has closed the waterway amid renewed strikes.
Today on The Front Page, Waikato University international law professor Alexander Gillespie is with us to break down the legality of these strikes, the risks of further escalation, and what could co...
Why Modi’s visit is testing NZ’s diplomacy and diversity
This week, New Zealand will host Narendra Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit this country in four decades.
It should be a major diplomatic and economic moment, coming as the India free trade agreement edges closer to ratification and the Government celebrates early signs of export growth.
But behind the diplomatic spectacle, political tensions are still bubbling away.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters- who will absent from the weekend’s events- has been openly critical of the deal, accusing National of quietly tightening immigration settings linked to it without proper transparency.
So, is...
Labour’s SolarSaver plan promises cheaper power - and help for renters too
Labour has unveiled its pitch to make power bills cheaper.
If elected, the party’s promising subsidies of up to $3000 to low-and-middle-income households so they can install solar panels.
The party is also promising two Government-backed low-interest loan schemes for home energy upgrades, alongside rule changes that would let renters install plug-in solar too.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because National rolled out its own solar policy just a few weeks ago.
So what, exactly, sets Labour’s plan apart? And will it actually make a meaningful dent in household power bills?
Toda...
How the oil shock is keeping the OCR guessing game alive
All eyes are on the Reserve Bank this week, as it prepares to make its latest call on the Official Cash Rate.
Just weeks ago, a hike looked likely.
But as Wednesday’s announcement approaches, that once-simple story has become a lot more complicated.
Fuel prices have fallen, inflation fears have softened, and economists are now sharply divided on whether the Bank should move at all.
So what changed? And what does this moment reveal about the balancing act the Reserve Bank is trying to pull off?
Today on The Front P...
Inside National's pitch to double exports and target new markets
National has unveiled an ambitious new trade pitch, promising to pursue New Zealand’s “next billion customers”.
The party says it’s all part of a plan to grow exports, create jobs and boost incomes, with a long-term goal of doubling export value by 2034.
Supporters say that is the kind of ambition a small trading nation needs. Sceptics say the policy may be trying to do too much at once.
Today on The Front Page, BusinessDesk Senior Correspondent Dileepa Fonseka joins us to dig into the policy, the politics, and what it could actually...
What the latest ruling means for Kim Dotcom’s long legal saga
Kim Dotcom has spent more than a decade at the centre of one of New Zealand’s most high-profile legal and political sagas.
From the dramatic FBI-backed raid on his Coatesville mansion in 2012, to the long-running fight over extradition to the United States... The former Megaupload mogul is never far from the headlines.
Now, with fresh developments putting Dotcom back in the spotlight, the big question is no longer just what’s happened, but what comes next.
Is this the beginning of the end of a years-long legal battle, or is there still another twist to...
How a strong El Niño could reshape New Zealand’s spring and summer
El Niño is back and scientists say it could become one of the strongest we’ve ever had to deal with.
That means the weather patterns shaping our spring and summer may be about to shift in a big way.
But El Niño can also be one of those phrases we hear a lot without always fully understanding what it actually means or how seriously we should take it when scientists start sounding the alarm.
So, what is happening in the Pacific right now, why does it matter so much for us h...
Can Michelin stars save New Zealand’s struggling restaurant industry?
New Zealand’s hospitality scene feels like it’s at a crossroads.
On one hand, cafés, bars and restaurants are battling a brutal mix of rising costs, mounting debts and changing consumer habits.
Venues are closing, owners are exhausted, and many are wondering how much longer they can hang on.
On the other, Aotearoa has just taken a historic step onto the global culinary stage, with the launch of its first ever Michelin Guide and Kiwi restaurants receiving coveted stars.
It’s a moment that could reshape tourism, attract high‑value visitors, and shine...
Are petrol companies passing on lower costs fast enough?
Fuel prices are one of those costs that almost everyone notices immediately.
When they rise, households feel it, businesses feel it, and suddenly a number on the forecourt becomes a national talking point.
The average price of petrol has dipped under $3 for the first time in more than three months as a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran holds.
If the price stays below $3 for four consecutive weeks, the Government’s fuel support package aimed at 143,000 low-to-middle income families will end.
They’re currently getting $50 a week through a boost to t...
Luxon raises coalition doubts as Labour and Act unveil election priorities
Benefits, boosting apprenticeships, and the coalition headache already looming over Election 2026.
Both Labour and Act kickstarted their campaigns at the weekend.
David Seymour wants a much tougher welfare system. Chris Hipkins wants to bolster a Covid-era trade scheme.
Meanwhile, National’s questioning its coalition partners’ intentions, with Christopher Luxon not “100% sure” about whether they can take Winston Peters’ word he won’t work with Labour.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan is with us to break down the weekend’s big political moves, and what they might mean for...
Are New Zealand Police facing another crisis of confidence?
The New Zealand Police has been rocked by an investigation into the country’s top cop.
An inquiry’s underway into complaints against Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.
He is strongly denying the claims.
But, it comes at a time when trust and confidence in police is on shaky ground already.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah is with us to take us through how we got here, and what happens next.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your...
Could a new kingmaker be emerging as coalition support slips?
Could now be the time to see a new party in Government? Better yet, is it time to see a new Kingmaker?
The Opportunity Party is nearing the 5% threshold to get into Parliament for the first time in its 10-year history.
At the centre of that pitch is a bold Tax Reset policy: a universal Citizens Income, a Land Value Tax, and a major rethink of retirement savings.
But the real question now is whether voters are genuinely ready to send Opportunity to Wellington, or whether this is another polling bump that will...
Immigration IT scandal: What happens when Ministers stop trusting their officials?
Misleading information, unanswered questions, and more than $30 million down the drain and nothing to show for it.
You may have heard about immigration officials being in hot water lately over scrapping an IT upgrade and apparently obscuring information relating to the project’s cost blowouts.
Even the Prime Minister has admitted his confidence in the public service has taken a knock over the debacle.
So, what exactly happened? How could it happen? And how do we make sure public money isn’t squandered on stupid projects?
Today on The Front Page, NZ H...
Should tourists help pay for New Zealand’s infrastructure?
Tourism is booming again, but who should pay for the pressure that comes with it?
A powerful alliance of mayors and tourism leaders is pushing for a nationwide accommodation levy, or bed tax.
They argue tourists should help fund the roads, rubbish collection, public facilities and major events that keep our biggest destinations running.
Supporters say it’s a common-sense user-pays model, one that would take pressure off local ratepayers.
But critics say it’s just another tax, one that could make New Zealand more expensive and harder to compete as a travel destination...
KiwiSaver vs Wealth tax - the new political divide
One major theme has emerged for this year’s election... money.
Two parties at the weekend launched ideas to get the country’s finances in order and future-proof our economy for generations to come.
National held its annual party conference in high spirits, despite a polling support slide since the last election. They announced policy that would make KiwiSaver compulsory, raise minimum contributions, and require employers pay for staff over 65.
On the other hand, the Greens are focusing on taxing the rich, imposing a levy on the four big banks, and taxing offshore profi...
