The Front Page

Today is World Homeless Day – where organisations around the globe shed light on the issue. Right now, more than 2% of New Zealanders are without a home. Stats NZ figures show more than 112,000 people are now severely housing deprived across New Zealand. In Auckland, there’s been a 53 per cent increase in rough sleeping since late last year. Manaaki Rangitahi aims to end youth homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand. CEO Bianca Johanson is with us today on The Front Page, to discuss how – as a country – we can make this happen. 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.

Local government is how communities democratically decide what happens in their backyards. The park on the corner, what day our bins go out, your neighbours making too much noise, how much you pay in rates, whether your dog can enjoy the beach off lead. Every day we encounter a council decision whether we know it or not. So, why is voter turnout always so low? There are 78 local authorities in New Zealand: 11 regional councils, 12 city councils, 54 district councils, and Auckland Council (which combined eight former councils in the big Super City amalgamation of 2010). That means there are a lot of roles up for grabs. To dive into what you need to know about this years local elections, today on The Front Page, we have Newstalk ZB news director and local government reporter Michael Sergel. 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 is expected to cut the Official Cash Rate today, but how deeply it will cut remains to be seen. Markets are pricing in the cut as a certainty, but the debate is now on how big it will be. So, what could a cut mean for mortgage holders and the average Kiwi? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann is with us to dive into the Reserve Bank’s upcoming decision, and what’s been happening behind closed doors. 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 been more than two years since Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods. Nineteen people died. A three-week long inquest has begun in Hastings District Court, examining how prepared we were for the cyclone, how warnings were issued, and the emergency response. Today on The Front Page, Open Justice reporter Ric Stevens joins us to take us through what we know so far, and what we hope to learn from these tragic events. 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’s fight to attract the minds shaping the future in tech could have just gotten a bit harder. China has a new visa which targets young STEM grads and foreign tech talent. It’s while a similar US visa now comes with a $100,000 fee attached. The move has been described as “boosting Beijing’s fortunes” in its geopolitical rivalry with Washington. Today on The Front Page, Victoria University Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence Dr Andrew Lensen is with us to take a look what makes this country attractive - and what might be holding it back. 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.

US President Donald Trump says a Gaza ceasefire is “closer than ever” - but, what’s the reality? The White House has released a plan to end the Gaza war after Trump held talks with Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli leader has apparently agreed to the 20-point plan, which still requires sign off from Hamas. After nearly two years of war, the powers that be seem hopeful an end is near. Trump has said if Hamas doesn’t agree to the deal, it’s going to be “a very sad end”. But, given a number of provisions are ones the terror group has previously vetoed, how realistic is it? And who would govern Gaza once the dust settles anyway? Today on The Front Page, Australian National University Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies senior lecturer Dr Anas Iqtait is with us to discuss the latest in the plan for peace. 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 huge inequities facing at least 183,000 New Zealanders, and nothing’s being done about it. New data from Blind Low Vision NZ reveals how blind, deafblind, and low vision New Zealanders face not only higher costs but also the emotional strain of barriers most Kiwis never encounter. Stats NZ figures show that 58% of disabled New Zealanders earn $30,000 or less a year, compared with 33% of non-disabled people. So, what does government need to do to make sure this community doesn’t keep falling through the cracks? Today on The Front Page, Blind Low Vision NZ community and inclusion GM Dan Shepherd is with us to speak about his own lived experience, and how we might be able to help. 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.

We’re edging closer to exceeding 1.5°C of warming globally, and scientists will gather to understand the implications of missing our climate change targets. The world’s best will descend upon Austria this week for the first-ever Overshoot Conference. It’s while Winston Peters delivered a “truth bomb” at the UN recently, singling out four countries for being the world’s largest emitters. So, what happens if we don’t meet our climate targets? Today on The Front Page, Victoria University climate scientist professor James Renwick is with us to delve into climate overshoot, and why we should care about 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.

Church leaders are continuing to publicly apologise to survivors of abuse. The Presbyterian Church is the latest to address it in two public apology events, the first was in Dunedin at the weekend and the next is in Auckland this Saturday. It’s the latest in a series of public apologies from church and public sector leaders after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Over five years of investigations, the inquiry heard nearly 3000 survivor accounts of abuse and neglect over five years of investigations. The more than 130 recommendations focused on creating a new, independent redress system, strengthening the care system, and holding institutions accountable. Today on The Front Page, lawyer Amanda Hill has represented Abuse in Care survivors and is with us to explain how the process is working, and how it’s not. 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.

US doctors will soon be advised not to prescribe paracetamol to pregnant women, after President Donald Trump claimed an ‘increased autism risk’. He cited the unproven link as a major factor in the rise of diagnoses. The call has been criticised worldwide, with Ministries of Health globally moving to put out the flames. Experts have labelled the rhetoric “quite scary” and “really damaging”. Today on The Front Page, University of Otago pediatrics and child health science officer, Joanne Dacombe, is with us to dive into how comments like this affect autistics and their families. 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.

For the past month, Kiwis have been able to have their say on proposals to change our telecommunications sector. Minister for Regulation David Seymour has said that these services are “as essential as power and water” and that “changing the way the sector is regulated will affect almost every Kiwi”. Changes could include introducing a consumer code, replacing or phasing out the current obligation framework, and “getting rid of obsolete rules”. But, what does that all mean? And do enough New Zealanders know how these changes could affect our everyday lives? Today on The Front Page, tech commentator Bill Bennett is with us to dive into the recommendations, and why consumers should care about how their connectivity is regulated. 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.

Thousands of senior doctors are on strike until midnight, after walking off the job yesterday. Their long-running pay dispute with Heath New Zealand continues, with doctors saying the latest offer represents a ‘real pay cut’ when recruitment and retention is critical. Meanwhile, Health Minister Simeon Brown claims they’re putting pay and politics ahead of patients, after thousands of elective procedures and appointments have been postponed. So, what will end this cycle of disputes and strikes? And how do we fix our health system that’s been in crisis for decades? Today on The Front Page, ASMS executive director Sarah Dalton is with us to break down the latest in talks, and what we can do in future. 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 clock is ticking for New Zealand to join a throng of other countries recognising the state of Palestine. Britain, Canada, and Australia have all formally recognised it, with the likes of Portugal, France and several others to follow at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned their moves, saying a Palestinian state would be a "huge reward to terrorism" and "will not happen". So, what’s holding up our government? And how might the war in Gaza unfold? Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Alexander Gillespie is with us to explain what recognition means and how it’s not as black and white as we might think. 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.

Over the past decade, New Zealand has seen dozens of community newspapers shut down, newsroom roles cut, and programmes taken off air.  A new discussion paper by former NZ Herald editor-in-chief Gavin Ellis warns that these changes are creating “news deserts” — areas where communities have little to no access to local reporting. The report highlights the Far North, Taupō, South Taranaki and Central Hawke’s Bay as regions already showing signs of reduced coverage, while parts of Auckland and Wellington are also affected. The paper argues that without intervention, the impacts will become more visible during upcoming elections, with reduced scrutiny of local government and fewer reliable sources of information for voters. So how widespread is the problem, and what are the possible solutions? Today, NZ Herald editor-at-large Shayne Currie joins me to discuss what the rise of news deserts could 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/Editor: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A coroner has issued a damning report after the death of 16-year-old Canterbury teenager Lizzy Marvin — saying she likely died because the government failed to act on the dangers of foam-filled furniture.  Lizzy died after toxic fumes filled her Burnham home when embers from a fireplace set her family's sofa bed alight. The coroner says the blaze spread with terrifying speed because of the foam inside — a risk Fire and Emergency has warned about for years. Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale has labelled the ministry’s inaction “deplorable” and says Lizzy’s death could have been prevented. After more than a decade of warnings about foam filled furniture, found in 80% of New Zealand homes, what will it take for regulation to finally change? Today on The Front Page, NZHerald Senior Crime and Justice reporter, Anna Leask joins us to discuss the latest 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/Editor: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland is under pressure to make space for two million homes, and councillors have little choice in the matter.  On September 24, the city’s policy and planning committee will decide whether to press ahead with the existing Plan Change 78, which allows three-storey housing across most of the city, or back a new plan that concentrates apartment blocks up to fifteen storeys around key transport hubs.  Both options have sparked heated debate. From fears of flooding and towers overshadowing suburban homes, to arguments that the city desperately needs more density to tackle the housing crisis.  Minister for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop has made it clear that Auckland must provide for growth, while promising locals a stronger voice in how it plays out.  So, what’s really at stake for Aucklanders — and how much power does the council actually have?  Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter Simon Wilson joins us to break down the battle over Auckland’s housing future. 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/Editor: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shone a spotlight on political violence in the US, and around the world. The 31-year-old was shot at a Utah university last week in front of thousands of people the alleged killer is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who’s set to appear in court this week. While his motive remains unclear, the killing has sparked conversations about the widening gap between left and right politics. It’s also highlighted the deep, dark depths of the internet, and how young people can be radicalised online. Today on The Front Page, Massey University emeritus professor and sociologist Paul Spoonley is with us to dissect the inner workings of those who perpetrate political violence, and how we might be able to stop them. 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 All Blacks have taken a giant step backwards in a 43-10 crushing at the hands of South Africa in Wellington. It’s their worst ever defeat – shipping six tries to one after leading 10-7 at halftime. The performance has prompted questions about the team’s ability to recover and deliver consistent high-quality showings. So, what does this record-breaking display mean for the future of the All Blacks? Today on The Front Page, former All Black turned commentator Ant Strachan is with us to discuss the weekend, the consequences, and the future of the team. 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.

International campaigns, a Russian vote-tampering scandal, and an imposter taking the win, there’s one election that New Zealanders have taken very seriously. No, it doesn’t involve politicians— or even human beings. For two decades the public has pored over more than 80 native birds — and one controversial bat — to crown one Bird of the Year.   The fun is meant to highlight our native fauna, and the fact that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world  Today on The Front Page, Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki is here to take us through the history and future of the competition, and why we should care. 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.