The Front Page

Marsden Point operated as New Zealand’s only oil refinery for nearly 60 years. At its peak in the 80s, it employed around 1700 people – when it was closed in 2022, nearly 240 lost their jobs. Run by Channel Infrastructure, the site now operates as NZ’s largest fuels import terminal storing and distributing 40% of the country’s fuel. In recent weeks, a slew of Ministers have visited the site, with NZ First in particular floating the idea of introducing our first Special Economic Zone to help pump investment into the site, and life into the Northland economy. Massey University Professor Emeritus Sustainable Energy and Climate Mitigation, Ralph Sims, joins us to discuss the site’s potential. Later, Channel Infrastructure CEO Rob Buchanan takes us through the future of Marsden Point. 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.

Is New Zealand’s largest city dying? Auckland is home to roughly a third of the entire country’s population and is predicted to grow even bigger in the coming years. The City of Sails is, by far, the largest contributor to New Zealand’s economic output, generating about 40% of GDP. But, walk down many of the inner-city streets, and you’ll see vacant lots – with a lot of potential. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor, Anne Gibson is with us to discuss what can be done to get developers moving on empty spaces – some, that have been desolate for decades. 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: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition Government has unveiled its second Budget. Over 20 billion dollars in savings has been found over the next four years, more than half from controversial changes to our pay equity scheme. There are changes to KiwiSaver contributions, means testing for support for parents, and a major new tax incentive for businesses. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said that it is a “responsible budget”, while Labour has called it an ‘austerity budget’ that leaves women out and is stealing from our kids. To break down what this all means for you, today on The Front Page, we’re joined by NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might look on Facebook marketplace for a new couch, a lamp, a rug. But, what about class A drugs? Or how about a ghost gun? A Herald investigation has revealed at least 56 listings were circulating on the site offering magic mushrooms, cannabis, and in one case LSD across the North Island and top of the south. And that could just be the tip of the iceberg of illicit sales on social media. So how do we get on top of this? NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah has been looking into this, and joins us today 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: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been revealed that Police ignored sex allegations against a former top cop, and instead prosecuted a woman for ‘revenge emails’. The woman had emailed police, politicians, and newsrooms accusing former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming of being a sexual predator. The police watchdog has released a scathing 135-page report into how the allegations were treated, and how the “ambitions of a senior police officer were put above the interests of a vulnerable woman”. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said she was “ignored and badly let down”. He has said it makes for “appalling reading” and the conduct of the former top brass is “inexcusable”. He was briefed about the situation just two days before he stepped into the top role.   During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered McSkimming had used his work devices to search for pornography, including bestiality and child sex exploitation material, for at least five years. The 52-year-old resigned in disgrace and was later charged with possession of objectionable material. He’s pleaded guilty last week and will be sentenced next month. This whole ordeal has been indisputably damaging to one of the most important institutions in our country. Later we’ll speak to HELP Auckland’s executive director Kathryn McPhillips about how to support anyone who has experienced sexual abuse. But first, someone who knows all too well what it’s like to step up to those in power is Louise Nicholas. She alleged police officers raped her as a teen in the 80s, this resulted in criminal trials, a Commission of Inquiry, and an officer being jailed for attempting to pervert the course of justice. She is a campaigner for victims of sexual assault, and joins us now 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.

The Corrections Association says New Zealand’s prisons are in ‘crisis’. Last year saw record-breaking numbers of assaults on staff, almost double what they were just seven years ago. There were also more than 15-hundred prisoner-on-prisoner attacks - the highest annual figure on record. All of this comes with overcrowding, tight budgets, and a growing gang and meth problem. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter, Derek Cheng, is with us to dive into the numbers. 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.

There are more than 9,000 gang members in New Zealand, and thousands more associates. The coalition government from the get-go promised a crackdown on gangs – they've banned gang insignia in public, handed police greater powers, and created laws to disrupt get-togethers. But, is that all enough? Jared Savage has been a journalist at the NZ Herald for about 20 years, with a focus on organised crime. His latest book, Underworld, is the third in a series of he’s released since 2020 – and the latest instalment delves deeper into our country’s dark underbelly of gangs, guns, drugs, and money – lots and lots of money. Today on The Front Page, Savage joins us to discuss the rising threat of organised crime in New Zealand. 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: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A dark day in Australia, as two gunmen opened fire at a Bondi Beach Jewish event marking the first day of Hannukah. Sixteen people are dead, including one of the assailants. Police have confirmed there were two offenders and they aren’t looking for anyone else. One of them, a 50-year-old man, is dead, and a second, a 24-year-old man, is in critical but stable condition. They were a father and son. There were dozens of people in NSW hospitals overnight, from the ages of 10 to 87. New South Wales premier Chris Minns has said “Antisemitism is toxic it is cancerous, and leads to devastating implications”. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “We as a nation are stronger than the cowards who did this”. Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor, Al Gillespie is with us to discuss this tragic attack and what it might mean for New Zealand. 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 geopolitical friction and climate chaos to a cost-of-living crisis and a haka heard around the world, 2025 has been a huge year for news. Trump’s return sparked trade wars, artificial intelligence is getting, well, more intelligent, and we’re rounding out the year with no end in sight for wars in Ukraine and Gaza. At home, Treaty principles were again put under the microscope, a huge blow for the New Zealand Police, and an end to a devastating saga in Marokopa. All of that mixed with a TikTok blackout, an American genes ad, TV shows that sparked worldwide conversation about the manosphere, and a little monster named Labubu. Today on The Front Page, our producers Richard Martin and Jane Yee are here to wrap up the year that was. 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.

Tis the season to celebrate the end of the year with your workmates on the company dime. But, are the days of huge bashes and unlimited bar tabs long gone? They’ve always been high risk and loaded with legal landmines... with employees toeing the line between loose networking and plain unprofessional. So, should companies ditch the drama for direct deposits? Or is there still a little magic to the traditional Christmas work do? Today on The Front Page, AUT Professor of Management Candice Harris is with us to take a look back at work parties past, present, and yet to come. 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.

Kiwis are flying the coop, most of them heading for better opportunities across the Tasman. Latest Stats NZ figures show just over 124,000 migrant departures in the year to October, up nearly 7% - 71,000 of them New Zealanders. What is pushing our best and brightest out the door? And is the grass really greener on the other side? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to dissect what draws Kiwis abroad, and what it all means for the ones sticking around. 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 social media ban comes into effect this week, when all under 16s there will be restricted from major platforms. We’re talking TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Kick, Twitch, Threads and X. The EU passed a similar resolution this month, and the UK has introduced age restrictions on certain content. But, can you really outlaw part of the world wide web for a generation that has grown up online? And, more importantly, should we? Today on The Front Page, University of Canterbury senior law professor, Dr Cassandra Mudgway is with us to take us through what this means, and whether New Zealand should follow suit. 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 sideline squabbles to damning defeats, 2026 will need to be a year of refresh when it comes to Kiwi sports.   The All Blacks’ season has been shaky to say the least, and headlines have been dominated with Netball New Zealand’s off-court chaos.  But, there have been some major wins on the world stage for some of our best athletes.   Liam Lawson has become a household name – and Ryan Fox has seen some career bests this year.   So, to wrap it all up, today on The Front Page we have the NZ Herald’s Christopher Reive and Nathan Limm to take us through some of 2025’s highs and lows. 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.

Auckland’s CBD should be at its brightest right now, but this Christmas season has exposed just how far the city has slipped. The former Smith and Caughey’s building - once the centre of Auckland’s festive traditions with its iconic window displays and enchanted forest - now sits dark. Across the CBD, retail spending is down, site vacancy rates are up, and the district has been plagued by stalled developments and empty lots. But could a new life for Auckland be on the horizon? The long-awaited City Rail Link is set open next year and Seascape, the country’s tallest residential tower, is resuming construction after a series of delays. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson joins us to unpack what’s really happening in the heart of Auckland and whether we might see a Christmas miracle for the City of Sails. 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.

Russia is apparently ready to go to war with Europe, according to its President. Vladimir Putin met with the US negotiators this week for about five hours to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. He has accused European leaders of trying to scupper his peace talks with the US, saying that their tweaks to a plan to end the war were “unacceptable”. The Kremlin has apparently accepted some proposals to end the war, although latest talks haven’t “yielded a breakthrough”. Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Al Gillespie is with us to run 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.

Regional, territorial, unitary, wards and boards. Local government in New Zealand is made up of 78 different councils that make decisions we encounter daily. The roads, air, rubbish, waters, environment – it's all local government. So, why has central government announced a need for change? And why has the Prime Minister himself implored councils to “stop doing dumb stuff”? Today on The Front Page, Victoria University of Wellington associate professor in politics, Lara Greaves, is with us to take us through what it all means, and what the future could hold for our local councils. 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.

There are calls for urgent changes to modernise our laws to better protect victims of sexual violence. A new Helen Clarke Foundation report identifies several gaps in our laws that need closing and changes to our justice system to reduce underreporting. Ministry of Justice data estimates about 209,000 incidents of sexual assault occur every year, affecting around 82,000 victims. Nearly one in four adults report having experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. Today on The Front Page, Senior Researcher Sarah Bell is with us to take us through the report. 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 the moment anyone looking for a conveniently packaged, Swedish designed kitchen cabinet is waiting for. Ikea opens in Auckland this week at Sylvia Park – and it’ll be the company’s largest store in the Southern Hemisphere, about the size of three rugby fields. You’d be pressed to find someone who hasn’t encountered news of the iconic brand in Aotearoa. But why is it such a big deal? What’s so different about Ikea? We’ve brought Quantum Jump CEO and marketing expert Ben Goodale along with us to get an early look at the labyrinth that is Ikea. Later we will speak to Patricia Routledge, Country Communication Manager at IKEA AU & NZ about the specifics of how the team chose to market Ikea to Kiwis. 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 has been a tumultuous time since the collapse of the Du Val property development group. It was August last year we saw police raid a Remuera property – leaving with a number of assets owned by Charlotte and Kenyon Clarke. Since then it’s been a tsunami of court hearings, social media posts, and “he said she saids”. On Monday, a new podcast called *The Fall of the House of Du Val launches on iHeartRadio – or wherever you get your podcasts. But, today on The Front Page, host of the podcast, Business Desk’s Maria Slade is here to take us through the rise and fall of Du Val. 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 mistlestoe's hung, the bells are a'ringing  And all through the malls Mariah Carey is singing  It's the same old story, told year after year  Of Santa and reindeer and widespread good cheer  But look a bit closer, and you might see a crack  In the stronghold St Nick has had since way back  Where once stood a hero, red coat and beard white  A sack on his sleigh promising Christmas delight  Now stands a figure, towering six foot two tall  With a coat of green fur, heart two sizes too small  The Grinch who stole Christmas is making a play  For the title of hero come this Yuletide day  For poor old Saint Nick, this might not end well  And to give us the lowdown is Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell. 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.