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The Front Page

The Front Page

NZ Herald 1298 Episodes Jul 13, 2026

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 Jul 13, 2026 973 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 Jul 9, 2026 1001 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 Jul 8, 2026 924 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 Jul 7, 2026 1123 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 Jul 6, 2026 1034 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 Jul 3, 2026 935 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 Jul 2, 2026 1042 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? Jul 1, 2026 906 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? Jun 30, 2026 1047 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 Jun 29, 2026 1325 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? Jun 26, 2026 1074 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? Jun 25, 2026 1154 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

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