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.
Episodes
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 F
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.&
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
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 s
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
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 Dotc
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 soundin
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, Aotea
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 consecutiv
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&rdq
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 Morr
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 whethe
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 th
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. Support
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 mi
How Hurricanes and Chiefs stack up for the title showdown
The Super Rugby Pacific final is here, and the excitement is already at fever pitch. Tickets for the decider on Saturday sold out in just 15 minutes, as the Hurricanes and Chiefs prepare to meet in Wellington in what shapes as one of the biggest rugby nights of the year. So what makes this matchup so compelling? Which team has the edge, which players could define the contest, and what does the hug
How Shane Jones’ fishing bill sank
Shane Jones’ controversial fisheries reform has been abandoned – for now. The Oceans and Fisheries Minister told a select committee today that his “much-loved bill” would not be progressed in this term of government. The Fisheries Amendment Bill had caused division within the coalition... changes to minimum legal-size limits for commercial fishing operators had to be walked
The plan that could reshape how New Zealand builds
For years, New Zealand has spent big on infrastructure without always getting the results to match. Now, the Government's vowing to change that. It’s supporting all 16 recommendations in the Infrastructure Commission's National Plan – a blueprint for how the country plans, funds, and delivers the things we all rely on. The 30-year plan includes a review of the Land Transpor
Can Labour afford its election promises?
Finance Minister Nicola Willis fronted a press conference on Sunday, complete with a black dossier labelled Labour's Hidden Bill, accusing the opposition of leaving an $18 billion funding gap in its plans. Since then, independent economists have also questioned Labour’s figures around their recently announced fare cap policy, saying the numbers don’t quit
Can Trump’s Iran peace deal actually hold?
Donald Trump says the United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement, with a formal signing ceremony expected later this week. The announcement follows weeks of negotiations and comes in the wake of an Israeli strike on Beirut that reportedly disrupted the process at the last minute. If the agreement holds, it could reshape relations across the Middle East and have implications for eve
The RSV delay exposing NZ’s child health gap
A leading paediatrician is warning more New Zealand babies will end up in hospital this winter while a treatment that could prevent many RSV cases remains unavailable. The breakthrough antibody injection is already being used in countries like Australia, the UK and the US, but here it's still awaiting approval and funding decisions. The delay has reignited questions about how we prioritise child h
Do the All Whites stand a chance at the World Cup?
For just the third time in history, New Zealand is heading to football's biggest stage. The FIFA World Cup is ready for kick off and the All Whites are returning to the tournament for the first time since that memorable campaign in South Africa in 2010. Back then, New Zealand achieved something no other team did – leaving the tournament undefeated. Fast forward to 2026 and the World Cup is b
What does the fare cap policy tell us about Labour's campaign strategy?
Labour has unveiled its first major policy announcement since the Budget, promising to cap weekly public transport fares at $20 in the main centres. But is this really just a transport policy, or the first glimpse of a broader election strategy? Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins Richard Martin to break down what the announcement says about Labour's campaign, whether the numbers
Why the Government dropped its power bill levy
A few months ago, the Government said New Zealanders could end up helping fund a new LNG import terminal through their power bills. Now it's changed its mind. As of today, the customer levy is gone, but the plan to import liquefied natural gas as a backup for dry years is still very much alive. So why the backdown and who ultimately will end 
Why Auckland’s economic recovery seems continually out of reach
Auckland is supposed to be moving again. The City Rail Link is almost here, the CBD is looking better, and there’s been a lot of talk about the economy finally turning a corner. But for many Aucklanders, it still doesn’t feel like a recovery. New figures show the value of building work in Auckland has fallen sharply, with non-residential construction taking
Why Taiwan is testing New Zealand’s relationship with China
Four New Zealand MPs who visited Taiwan last month have been banned from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau for a year. National's Maureen Pugh, Labour's Duncan Webb, ACT's Laura McClure and NZ First's David Wilson were visiting as part of a cross-party Parliamentary group to improve relations with Taiwan. The Chinese embassy has said the ban could be reduced or waived with an apology. It’
Could this be Trump and Netanyahu's most serious fallout yet?
The US and Iran are exchanging the biggest strikes in months amid ceasefire talks. It comes just days after a call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu apparently got heated as negotiations over the Iran War continue. Iranian media signal talks between Tehran and Washington are ongoing, despite reports that Iran suspended them. Trump has said that negotiations are going “very we
Why should young Kiwis stay in NZ when Australia pays more?
Australia has just handed its lowest-paid workers a 4.75% pay rise, lifting the minimum wage to just over $25-Australian-dollars an hour – which is about $32-New Zealand-dollars. That means a full-time worker across the Tasman will now earn nearly $1004-Aussie-dollars, before tax. -- or $1216- Kiwi dollars. Here, the minimum wage went up just 2% this year to $23.95 an
The ‘freeloading’ jab that’s forced NZ into a defence debate
Frigates, freeloading, and our nuclear-free identity are all suddenly up for debate. New Zealand is being called a “freeloader” by the US Secretary of War for not increasing our defence spending as much as he’d like. Meanwhile, there’s a suggestion that we should have
No handouts, no hype: Why this is the Broccoli Budget
Infrastructure and health are the big priorities in this year's Budget, as banks face a new levy, and cuts take shape. There are no specific cost-of-living payments or Budget sugar hits - but Finance Minister Nicola Willis promises spending initiatives will create thousands of jobs. And our books are set to return to surplus earlier than expected. But, Opposition parties&nbs
Union warns of lasting damage from Budget 2026
While everyone counts the dollars and tries to make sense of Budget 2026 – there are thousands of public servants staring down losing their jobs. In her pre-Budget speech, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced plans to slash the sector by about 8,700 roles by mid-2029. The overhaul will also include reducing the number of government departments and increasing the use of AI. The Public Ser
Get ready for the belt-tightening Budget 2026
Energy security. Financial security. International security. Social cohesion. These are the government’s priorities for Budget 2026 that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon laid out earlier this month. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says this Budget will lay out a clear plan. Where the country is now, where we're headed, and the road we'll take to get there. So, what should we look out fo
How the $1.2b gas loan gamble could reshape big industry’s energy use
The Government's announced a $1.2 billion gas transition loan scheme – a big bet on keeping some of New Zealand’s most gas hungry businesses afloat. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the government will guarantee 80% of each loan, with about $48 million set aside to cover potential losses. It’s being framed as a lifeline: help gas‑heavy
Secret greyhound charter plan emerges ahead of racing ban
Just weeks out from the end of greyhound racing in New Zealand, a secretive charter flight plan is raising eyebrows. It’s understood a number of dogs are being prepped for a trip across the ditch before the sport’s banned here. But, why now? What about the welfare of these animals? And is this just a last ditch effort to make some cash before it’s lights out for the industry. Tod
Why Auckland FC has captured the city
Football fever is about to hit Auckland like we’ve never seen before. Auckland FC is hosting the Grand Final at Go Media Stadium against Sydney FC on Saturday. It’s the first time New Zealand has hosted an A‑League decider, and the city is on the brink of a huge sporting moment. Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB’s Weeke
Why Māori families still have “the talk” about police
It started with a young Māori man trying to help a stranger on the street. He ended up being pinned to the ground, handcuffed, locked in a cell, and a four-year court battle. Jamie Lawry ended up being found not guilty, but the case raises harder questions about racism and systemic bias in the north. Many Māori parents up north have to have what is called “the talk&rdquo
Inside the $2.75 million gang rehab experiment
A Mongrel Mob-run meth rehab programme ended up at the centre of a fierce political fight. After being funded by Jacinda Ardern’s government, the Coalition government turned off the tap for drug rehabilitation programme Kahukura. But behind the politics, did Kahukura actually help people get off meth? And what does it tell us about who is best placed to deliver addiction treatment? Today on
How much would you pay to sit in Auckland traffic?
If you’ve spent any time on Auckland’s motorways, you’ll know the city’s traffic problem is no joke – and one of the big fixes being talked about is charging people to sit in it. The AA has surveyed its Auckland members on time-of-use charging, and while the results show plenty of scepticism, a lot of people back the principle. But only if the scheme is designed fairl
Can Peters' BNZ plan actually work, or is it just campaign theatre?
New Zealand First will campaign on buying back the BNZ bank and making KiwiSaver enrolment compulsory at birth. Winston Peters’ appearance at Trusts Arena in West Auckland at the weekend comes at a time when his party is surging in the polls... He’s also closing in on National leader Christopher Luxon in the preferred Prime Minister ranking, months out from
The hidden costs of AI: Labour, data, and the race to dominate
Artificial intelligence is being sold to us as the future. Faster, smarter, more efficient, maybe even world changing. But as a handful of tech companies race to build ever more powerful AI, there are growing questions about secrecy, exploitation, and the extraordinary concentration of power behind the scenes. Journalist Karen Hao has spent years reporting on Open
Bridge or tunnel? Auckland’s second harbour crossing decision looms
Auckland’s long-running second harbour crossing debate is back in the spotlight. It’s a project that politicians love to talk about but have long struggled to deliver - given the complex work, the very high price tag, and the wide range of very heated opinion on what would be best for the City of Sails. NZTA is in the final stages of refining both a tunnel and a bridge option and will
Should New Zealand raise the age of NZ Super?
On paper, New Zealand Super is one of the simplest parts of our welfare system. Most people become eligible at 65, it’s not means tested, and for decades it’s been treated as a kind of social contract: work hard, reach retirement, and the state will be there. But that contract is under growing pressure. As our population ages and governments look for ways to contain long-term cos
Cruise ship hantavirus outbreak tests global health response post-Covid
You may have heard there’s a new virus making headlines. Three people have died and several others have fallen ill after an outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship. Governments and health agencies around the world are coordinating a mass evacuation of passengers – working together to get people home while at the same time trying to prevent any
Is Winston Peters doing the heavy lifting for National?
If an election were held today, the coalition Government would likely be returned to power and not by a narrow margin. A new NZ Herald–Motu Research Poll of Polls model suggests the Government has an 88.3% chance of winning a second term, with support across National, Act and New Zealand First holding steady. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan joins The Front Page to talk thro
Stolen daughters - the policy that tore Chinese families apart
Barbara Demick has spent her career telling the stories of people living under some of the world’s most repressive and dangerous regimes. From North Korea to Tibet and Bosnia, her reporting and books have helped readers understand what life looks like far beyond the headlines. Her latest book, Daughters of the Bamboo Grove, chronicles the true story of Chinese twin girls, born in rural Hunan
What's keeping NZ youth up at night?
A new Youthline ASB report is shining a light on the mounting pressures facing young Kiwis. The 2026 State of the Generation report includes Gen Alpha for the first time and is based on a nationwide survey of more than 1000 people aged 12 to 24. The report reveals a lot is worrying our younger generations, and the consequences of these pressures are dire. In the past three months, Youthline record
Salvation Army warns lack of housing driving ex-prisoner reoffending
A new Salvation Army report is putting a spotlight on why an alarming number of ex-prisoners go on to reoffend. In New Zealand, more than 43% of people released from prison end up back there within two years. Almost two-thirds reoffend. The Salvos reckon more focus is needed on ‘reintegration’ services, to make sure people return to the community with stability, support, and resources.
The oil shocks just keep coming - how much more can we take?
New Zealand businesses are running on fumes, with cash reserves dwindling amid surging fuel prices and KiwiSaver costs... all while the full shockwave hasn't fully hit yet. Economist and publisher of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey, joins us to explain why the fuel crisis reality is only dawning, the supply chain pain ahead, and what it means for New Zealand's economy. He also answers the question
Stagflation warning: Why a flat unemployment rate may still spell trouble ahead
New Zealand’s unemployment rate is expected to hold steady - at least on paper - when new data is released this week. But beneath that headline number, economists are warning the labour market may already be weakening, just as global tensions and an oil shock begin to bite. There are also growing concerns about something called ‘stagflation’... whe
Barry Soper on what makes a good PM (and what doesn't)
Barry Soper is a name and certainly a voice that’s recognisable across New Zealand. After decades in the Beehive, Soper put pen to paper outlining his time covering 12 Prime Ministers, from Muldoon to Luxon. He blends personal stories, policy critiques, and behind-the-scenes tales ... like Muldoon’s drunken Schnapps election call, Lange’s antics in Africa, and Bolger’s mimi
What NZ can learn from the Trump attack
A man has been charged with attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump after trying to storm the White House correspondents’ dinner. The 31-year-old was carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shot gun, and three knives as he charged past security. A White House security review’s been launched to understand how this person managed to get so close to the President. So
The rapid shift that could reshape New Zealand’s winter
El Niño is set to hit New Zealand this winter. Global climate models show there’s a greater than 60% probability that this ‘event’ will be ‘strong’ by spring, with the potential to intensify later this year. But, what does this all actually mean? What happens when the ocean surface warms? And what does it mean for our w
Demographic time bomb: Report urges cross-party population strategy
A new report suggests that New Zealand’s rapidly changing demographic make-up has reached a critical point. Within decades, a quarter of all New Zealanders could be 65 or older – a situation unheard of in our history. At the same time, migration patterns are shifting, cities like Auckland are absorbing most growth, and regional decline is accelerating. The
How Iran’s war and oil shock could hit inflation, interest rates and jobs
The Finance Minister is adamant that New Zealand’s economic recovery has been delayed, but not derailed, by the war in Iran. Nicola Willis has shone a light on the country’s economic outlook in the lead up to next month’s budget. At the same time, Stats NZ data on the country’s productivity performance for the year to March 202
NZ house sales keep falling as first-home buyers drive demand
Sales volumes have continued to decline across New Zealand’s housing market. It marks a third consecutive monthly fall and extends the subdued start to 2026 – even as property values remain broadly stable. But beneath the surface, the picture is uneven. Auckland remains soft, first home buyers are propping up demand, and the rental market is showing signs of strain. At the same time, g
The new age of car buying: EVs, hybrids and the end of old myths
It’s safe to say our last episode on EVs amid the current fuel crisis sparked some lively debate. Our last guest’s take on unreliable EVs and the possibility of brand collapses drew strong pushback. So, today, we're flipping the script with a fresh take to tackle your top concerns head-on. EV registrations are still surging alongside hybrids and PHEVs. As of April 19, there were 5346 E
Luxon survives confidence vote, but questions remain
The Prime Minister has initiated and survived a motion of confidence as National Party leader. After about a three-hour caucus meeting, Christopher Luxon read a short statement out to media before leaving without taking questions. This all comes after weeks of speculation about whether his performance during the
Government quietly moves to cut Treaty principles from some laws
The Government has quietly agreed to repeal several references to Treaty principles within laws. The move – which wasn’t publicly announced – follows a coalition agreement to review Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation. Ministers argue the changes will bring greater clarity and consistency. Critics warn it could strain Māori-Crown relationships even further, an
Are we buying the wrong cars in the fuel crisis EV boom?
It seems the ongoing uncertainty of whether pumps will dry out has got people thinking greener. As at April 12, there were 5,137 EVs registered this year – up 116% from the same time last year. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEVs, are at an all-time high up 75% and Hybrids up 5%. These kinds of numbers haven’t been seen since the Clean Car Discount/post-lockdown boom seen in 2023
Is the Red Sea the world's next major trade chokepoint?
The Iranian military has threatened shipping in the Gulf, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Oman if the US naval blockade continues. The threats made by general Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi were apparently aired on Iranian state television. Meanwhile, talks could resume as early as this week with NBC news reporting Trump has said the war was “very close to over” while Tehran has said messages were st
How illicit tobacco quietly grew to a quarter of all cigarettes sold here
Illicit tobacco is quietly taking hold across New Zealand. A Retail NZ report warns the country could soon face the same violent black-market spiral seen in Australia. It has found more than a quarter of smokers are using illicit tobacco - most sourced from China and the Middle East. Some cartons are being sold for as little as 15 dollars - with supply controlled by organised crime groups. So what
Why Trump’s Iran blockade could backfire at sea
The US blockade of Iranian ports has begun. President Donald Trump is warning any ships that try to disrupt US efforts will be eliminated. Earlier, Iran's parliament speaker said the country would not "surrender under threats".Weekend peace talks between the US and Iran ended without resolution, with Trump blaming Iran 's unwillingness to end its nuclear ambitions. Vice President JD Vance has said
Inside the push to fix Luxon’s media image
It’s 208 days until Kiwis hit the polls and vote for the next Government. And despite campaigning not officially starting, the Prime Minister’s performance has been called into question, time and time again. Accusations range from Luxon leaning too much into corporate speak and acting like a CEO to dodging questions, and even
The New Zealanders sitting in some of the world’s worst prisons
There are more than 70 Kiwis banged up abroad, according to new data. But, the true figure is likely higher, with many detainees choosing not to tell the New Zealand government they’ve been arrested. They’re detained across dozens of countries, from the US and Australia to parts of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. NZ Herald senior journalist Anna Leask has been looking into New Zeala
Cyclone Vaianu: Why category downgrade could be misleading
Cyclone Vaianu is currently tracking toward the top of the North Island with forecasters warning it could make landfall between Auckland and the Coromandel this weekend. Heavy rain, high winds and coastal surges are all in play, with officials stating it could be a potentially life-threatening weather event. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has recommended people stock up and get
Did the US just prove military power doesn’t work anymore?
Donald Trump has backed down again on threats towards Iran. In a social media post, the President said he has agreed “to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” and that this “will be a double-sided ceasefire”. It’s after Iranians formed human chains along bridges and around power plants after Trump vowed that “a whole civilisation will
Is New Zealand backing a bully? Concerns over Peters’ visit to Trump’s US
Iran has rejected a proposed ceasefire with the US and Israel. It’s after an expletive-ridden post from President Donald Trump – where he demanded the Strait of Hormuz be opened or else Iran would be “living in Hell”. Iran’s deputy foreign minister has accused Trump of threatening war crimes, saying strikes on power plants and bridges w
Savea's wake-up call to NZ rugby and the All Blacks
It’s been revealed that Ardie Savea’s future with the All Blacks hung in the balance. His push to quit was amid whispers of player discontent and coaching fractures exposing deep cracks in the team’s foundations. Players apparently openly questions coaching, discipline, and its overall direction. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald rugby analyst, Gregor Paul, joins us to break dow
How new financial year rules will hit your pay, benefits and household costs
The financial year is coming to an end. It means we’ll see a whole bunch of policies and adjustments from April 1. Everything from crayfish catch limits and Pharmac funding to changes to the Living and Minimum wages. Super annuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among those who will recei
Could working from home be the answer to rising fuel prices?
With the word ‘crisis’ now comes talk about working from home. As oil prices rise and the cost of petrol surges towards $4 a litre, it’s been flagged as a potential voluntary measure in contingency plans. There’s been no direct government endorsement or mandate for working from home, but it’s been recognised as a possible fuel-saving step if the crisis worsens, alongs
'They’ve got a plan': Expert says US, Israel misread Iran’s strength
Iran is warning against US ground invasion as regional leaders ramp up diplomatic efforts. It comes as the USS Tripoli – carrying 3,500 US service members – arrived in the Middle East at the weekend. It’s all while Pakistan said it is prepared to host US-Iran talks after meeting with foreign ministers from Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. But, what are the chances of peace in the
The good, the bad and the ugly in Auckland’s city centre
Look around Auckland, and you’ll see a spattering of planned, under-development, or moth-balled building projects. The city’s ever-changing face often dominates Aucklander’s conversations – for good, or oftentimes, bad. So as we prepare to ride the $5.5 billion City Rail Link this year, what else should we be excited about? Or, are there more building sites going quiet than
New NCEA plan, tight deadline: What the overhaul leaves teachers still asking
The Government's confirmed it's going ahead with scrapping the current NCEA system. Cabinet's agreed to an overhaul of secondary school qualifications - replacing NCEA with new subject-based assessments in Year 12 and Year 13. Education Minister Erica Stanford says consultation showed strong support for structural change. NCEA will be replaced with a new system with two levels over Years 12
As fuel concerns grow, Act and NZ First rise while National slips
It’s a trying time for the Government, with fuel prices and the Iran War affecting just about every Kiwi. It’s something the Opposition knows all too well, handling a crisis not of their making, with Covid. But, how are politicians of all stripes handling the pressure? How is the public feeling about their performance? And, how much weight should we put on polls anyway? Are they
Fuel price shock: Who misses out under tax credit boost
Every New Zealander at the moment is feeling the impact of the price of fuel. It’s something Finance Minister Nicola Willis has mentioned time and time again. She’s also made it incredibly clear that this government won’t make the same mistakes as the last – so, any financial assistance must be t
Could NZ be dragged into a war over the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran has vowed to close the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely -- if the US follows through on President Donald Trump’s threats. It’s after Trump gave Iran an ultimatum to open the passage before American forces "obliterate" their power plants. But, if that happens, there’d be a large-scale blackout, resulting in widespread civilian harm - so, the question then becomes – would t
GDP is up in New Zealand, so why does the economy still feel flat?
Yesterday, Stats NZ released New Zealand’s GDP performance for the last quarter of 2025, and the government tells us things are looking good with gross domestic product rising 0.2 percent. But the Reserve Bank had forecast growth of 0.5% - so while the latest results show we’re heading in the right direct
How ketamine has become the new party drug of choice for students
A new study is shedding light on the changing landscape of New Zealand’s ‘party drug’ scene. The annual New Zealand Drug Trends Survey, completed by more than 8000 people nationwide, shows that ketamine is rapidly growing in popularity. Price data puts it among the more affordable options at around $200 a gram. Overseas, the UK has dubbed young people ‘Generation K’,
Private lives, public fallout: Where should we draw the line for politicians?
Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has acknowledged he considered his future in politics, in the wake of his ex-wife's allegations. She made a series of claims in a now deleted private social media post on Sunday. None of which alleges unlawful conduct. Being a politician is one of the most public facing roles in our society, but where should the line be draw
How high could fuel prices go, and what help could be on the way?
Inflation could hit 3.7% under Treasury’s ‘worst-case’ inflation scenario. It’s while petrol prices have risen about 45 to 50 cents a litre, adding about $23 to the price of filling an average car. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has outlined the government's priorities - First a focus on supply chains, then potential and antic
