The Front Page

Insurers have begun their retreat as climate change bites. Back-to-back disasters in recent years have pushed insured loss into the billions and forced tough questions about what can still be covered. Homeowners in flood and coast-exposed areas are starting to see higher premiums, exclusions and even the risk of losing cover altogether. AA Insurance has gone the extra mile and stopped issuing new home insurance policies in several towns entirely. So, who will pay when extreme weather keeps coming? Households, insurers, or the Government? Today on The Front Page, journalist and publisher of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey is with us to explain how climate change is reshaping insurance – and what it means for where and how we live.  Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no surprise the upcoming election is a hot topic at Waitangi. But, the axing of the Treaty Principles Bill has eased tensions this year. Although, that hasn’t stopped Chris Hipkins taking aim at the government, calling it ‘anti-treaty’ so ‘therefore anti-Māori'. It’s all while a decision on Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's future with Te Pati Maori plays out in a Wellington court this week. So, what is the atmosphere of Waitangi? Who’s there? And who’s not? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins us from Waitangi to break down what the event means. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New jobs data out today spells worry for New Zealand’s economy.  The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the December 2025 quarter – the highest since September 2015.  Most banks had expected unemployment to hold steady at 5.3%, ASB was a bit more bullish picking 5.2%.  It means 165,000 people were unemployed last quarter – a quarterly increase of 5,000 people...   But, what does it all mean? What sectors are struggling? And can the government keep calling it all the “mess they inherited”?   Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, is with us to dive into the data.   Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s about to become cheaper, and easier, to get your driver’s license in New Zealand. Changes include scrapping the second practical test, a longer 12-month learner period for under 25s, new restricted periods, and an expanded zero-alcohol rule for all learner and restricted drivers – regardless of age. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has said the aim is to make licensing more efficient and affordable. The new system will take effect from the end of January next year. But, will the first major change to the system in 15 years make our roads safer? Today on The Front Page, AA road safety manager Dylan Thomsen is with us to dive into the details of this new system. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's files have exploded back into the headlines with millions of newly released documents exposing elite networks and power dynamics. More than three million pages of material have been released – including documents, images and video. So, what does this mean for trust in traditional power structures? And is it only a matter of time before a New Zealand politician is caught up in the saga? Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman is with us to unpack the international ramifications. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Post is removing services from 142 partner stores this year. It follows a long line of postal groups around the world scaling back as we enter a new era dominated by tech. Czech Post closed 300 post office branches, the Greek postal service shut more than 200 last year, UK networks have gone through rolling waves of reductions, and Denmark has ended traditional letter delivery entirely – an end to a 400-year-old service. But, how will the switch impact small-town communities? And the elderly? Today on The Front Page, Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen is with us to take us through what this could mean for those who need these services the most. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As children across New Zealand head back to school, many will be arriving without the basics. 58 schools are starting 2026 on the waitlist for KidsCan. The charity provides the essentials for Kiwi kids living in poverty. A survey of waitlisted schools shows more than half provide breakfast for their students, often diverting funds from their operational budget. So why, in 2026, are kids going to school hungry? Today on The Front Page, KidsCan CEO Dame Julie Chapman is with us to offer a glimpse into the lives of far too many children in this country who are going without. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 24 years, former National Party leader Judith Collins has called time on her career in politics for a new role as head of the law commission. Collins is the longest-continuously serving female MP in New Zealand, winning her electorate seats in Clevedon and then Papakura at every general election she has contested since 2002. The prime minister’s office has confirmed Collins will remain the MP for Papakura, retaining her portfolios until she moves to the law commission mid-year. So, what does her departure mean for New Zealand politics, who is National lining up for her seat, and when the history books are written – what will Judith Collins’ be remembered for? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper is with us to unpack a career defined by survival, scandal, comebacks, and crushing presence in New Zealand politics. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recovery operation at the Mt Maunganui landslide continues with police warning it could take days or even weeks. Tauranga City Council has launched an investigation into what happened in the run-up to the deadly landslide. Already questions are being asked about who knew what, and when. We'll talk to University of Canterbury senior lecturer in disaster risk and resilience, Dr Tom Robinson about the danger of landslides after severe weather events. Also, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah has been in Mount Maunganui for several days, and joins us on The Front Page. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From celery-juice cleanses to infomercial ab-busting gadgets, society has always been on a diet. It’s a global, multi-billion-dollar powerhouse industry. The latest trend that you would have heard about are GLP1s, or weight-loss injections. Pharmac is seeking advice on whether they should be funded for certain people. Australia’s committed to it for certain patients, taking the cost down to about $29 per script. A drug like Wegovy for instance, costs about $460 per script in New Zealand.  But, are they really beneficial? Or, is it just the next get skinny quick ploy? Today on The Front Page, obesity specialist, Dr Gerard McQuinlan is with us to explore whether these drugs should be funded, or is diet and exercise really the only answer? Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has revealed that the annual inflation rate for 2025 was 3.1%. It puts the inflation rate outside the bank’s target band of 1 to 3%. While it’s slowed sinificantly since the most recent peak of 7.3% in the June 2022 quarter, it has risen every quarter since December 2024. And while economist expect it to sit around 3 or 3.1% -- the Reserve Bank’s November prediction had it at 2.7%. But, what does it all mean? And are dreams of a quick fix in 2026 in the rear view mirror?  Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Business editor at large, Liam Dann is with us to break it down. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch woman told friends she was dying of cancer. They grieved and gave thousands to help her. But then, the unthinkable happened. It was all a farce. Nicola Flint is accused of forging medical letters and defrauding a rugby club of more than $100,000. Today on The Front Page, senior crime reporter and host of A Moment in Crime, Anna Leask, has been diving into this case with a special two part series on Flint’s diagnosis deception. She joins us now. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s Parliament has been called back two weeks early to push through new gun and hate speech legislation in the wake of the Bondi Attack. The recommendations are reminiscent of those made by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the March 15 terror attack in Christchurch. Since 2021, successive governments have begun, paused, then stopped all policy and legislative work on hate speech. So, where do our hate speech laws sit today? Are they good enough? Or should we follow Australia’s lead and finally tackle this issue once and for all? Today on The Front Page,  Race Relations Commissioner Dr Melissa Derby is with us to talk about how to tackle this growing issue. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s all rain and no shine this week across the country. Warm, tropical air sitting north of New Zealand has brought with it thunderstorms and rain warnings for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. Crews have already been working on clearing slips along State Highway 2, between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne. So, what is the outlook for this week? And when will Mother Nature give us all a break? Today on The Front Page, Niwa principal scientist, Chris Brandolino is with us to take us through what to expect, and when we might be able to put the sheets on the line. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European leaders are baffled, as Trump digs his heels in over Greenland. The US President has threatened to impose tariffs on eight allies who remain opposed to his potential takeover of the Danish territory. A10% levy will kick in on February 1, possibly rising to 25% on June 1 – affecting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK. Trump has said the import taxes will remain in place until "such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland" by the US. But, what does the United States want with Greenland? And how soon will it be until New Zealand is swept up in this chaos? Today on The Front Page, Waikato University international law professor, Al Gillespie is with us to take us through what could happen next. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year ended with a promise of the largest economic reform in a generation. It's when the Government unveiled its radical overhaul of resource management laws, which aims to cut the number of consents currently required by 40 to 50%. Led by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, the move will see the decades-old RMA replaced with two laws – one focused on planning, and the other on environment protection. They’re due to be passed by the end of this year, and operational by 2029. But what does it all mean? And why has it taken so long to detangle this convoluted law if so many people agreed it needed to be done? Today on The Front Page, Herald political editor, Thomas Coughlan, is with us to break it down. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks head coach Scott 'Razor' Robertson is out of the role just two years into his four-year contract. After reports of widespread frustration from players and staff and a damning internal review, questions remain – what went so wrong for Razor, what does this mean for our world cup campaign and who will have the job of cleaning up the mess? The All Blacks drama spells the beginning of a huge year for sport. 2026 sees hopes of a record medal haul for New Zealand at the Winter Olympics, and a chance to cheer on the All Whites on the world stage. And of course, we’re all curious to see how Netball NZ will rebuild public trust? All this and more today on The Front Page, with Herald sports reporter Alex Powell. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From takeovers and sales to mergers and disputes, 2026 is lining up to be quite the year for the media world. We might just start seeing some of the biggest changes in New Zealand media ownership in decades – well, that’s according to the Herald’s Media Insider Shayne Currie. Last year, Currie predicted that at least one major media platform would close, a very high-profile TV broadcaster would leave their position, and that an “interesting new shareholder” would emerge at NZME – all became true. But, what has he foreseen as he peers into his crystal ball ahead of this year? Currie joins us now on The Front Page to talk everything ratings, advertising, broadcasting, and who will come out on top come election time. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand politics kicks off this year under the shadow of a looming general election. From a continued cost of living crisis and economic recovery to Treaty debates and tensions between coalition partners, this year will see a mixed bag from the Beehive. It comes off the back of a major push for economic growth in 2025, with RMA reform and fast-track approvals dominated headlines. But, will all that pay off? Today on The Front Page, we dive into where each party stands, what they’ve announced thus far, and what the election campaign could bring us with Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major online security breach has raised questions about how safe our private information is online. Manage My Health’s health portal systems were compromised over the New Year, putting the data of over 120,000 users at risk. We check in with internet security expert, Blackveil’s Adam Burns, who immediately identified flaws in the website – which isn’t unusual for Kiwi domains. But first on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter David Fisher has been following the breach, and will break down what happened, and who is behind it. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.