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
‘Auckland deserves this’: CRL to finally open after over 100 years of talk
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 lo
Why the story about Kiwi kids being bad at maths isn’t quite adding up
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-eve
Why aren’t funders investing in startups founded by women?
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
Is the public service strike about pay, politics, or both?
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 Chri
NZ's enrolment problem - where are the young voters?
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.
Should your fuel tax and road-user charges pay for roadside sculptures?
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
Is Auckland congestion charging fair when so many still can’t rely on public transport?
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 e
What do absent leaders say about the future of the Pacific Islands Forum?
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
Debt vs delivery: the trust problem behind NZ’s borrowing debate
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
‘Meh’: Uni students unimpressed by National's loan plan
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
Inside the desperate response to Nepal’s devastating floods
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
Is this finally the economic turning point New Zealand has been waiting for?
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? To
Can councils deliver more with less under a 4% rates limit?
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 wis
Is banning social media the best way to protect children online?
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
Are New Zealanders willing to pay more tax if they see better results?
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
Would you want a flu warning system for your region?
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 canc
If the Mount Maunganui landslide risk was known, why was nothing done?
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
How can NZ businesses grow if people are now a ‘scarce resource’?
New Zealand’s birth rate stats just keep getting worse... The latest show ‘natural population growth’ has fallen to 18,700 for the year to June – the lowest it’s been since WWII. Births are at their lowest since 2003. So should we throw money at people to have babies, or are there some other options on the cards? And how bad is it really? Toda
Trump threatens Oman as Iran ceasefire collapses
A development in the Middle East, with US President Donald Trump turning on a key US ally. He’s threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes in the Strait of Hormuz. It’s all while a 60-day ceasefire with Iran expires – and officials say that there’s been very little diplomatic progress to reopen the key waterway. So, why is Trump lashing out at a key ally? Wh
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.&
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
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 re
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 detra
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. See omnystudio.com
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,
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. Tod
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 do
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 t
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&nb
‘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 t
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 businesse
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 tal
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 th
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
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 l
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.
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.&nbs
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
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 w
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 W
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
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 on
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 stagnan
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 t
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
