The Front Page

El Niño is set to hit New Zealand this winter.  Global climate models show there’s a greater than 60% probability that this ‘event’ will be ‘strong’ by spring, with the potential to intensify later this year.  But, what does this all actually mean? What happens when the ocean surface warms? And what does it mean for our w...

A new report suggests that New Zealand’s rapidly changing demographic make-up has reached a critical point.   Within decades, a quarter of all New Zealanders could be 65 or older – a situation unheard of in our history.   At the same time, migration patterns are shifting, cities like Auckland are absorbing most growth, and regional decline is accelerating.  The...

The Finance Minister is adamant that New Zealand’s economic recovery has been delayed, but not derailed, by the war in Iran.  Nicola Willis has shone a light on the country’s economic outlook in the lead up to next month’s budget.  At the same time, Stats NZ data on the country’s productivity performance for the year to March 202...

Sales volumes have continued to decline across New Zealand’s housing market. It marks a third consecutive monthly fall and extends the subdued start to 2026 – even as property values remain broadly stable. But beneath the surface, the picture is uneven. Auckland remains soft, first home buyers are propping up demand, and the rental market is showing signs of strain. At the same time, g...

It’s safe to say our last episode on EVs amid the current fuel crisis sparked some lively debate. Our last guest’s take on unreliable EVs and the possibility of brand collapses drew strong pushback. So, today, we're flipping the script with a fresh take to tackle your top concerns head-on. EV registrations are still surging alongside hybrids and PHEVs. As of April 19, there were 5346 E...

The Prime Minister has initiated and survived a motion of confidence as National Party leader.  After about a three-hour caucus meeting, Christopher Luxon read a short statement out to media before leaving without taking questions.  This all comes after weeks of speculation about whether his performance during the...

The Government has quietly agreed to repeal several references to Treaty principles within laws.  The move – which wasn’t publicly announced – follows a coalition agreement to review Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation. Ministers argue the changes will bring greater clarity and consistency. Critics warn it could strain Māori-Crown relationships even further, an...

It seems the ongoing uncertainty of whether pumps will dry out has got people thinking greener. As at April 12, there were 5,137 EVs registered this year – up 116% from the same time last year. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEVs, are at an all-time high up 75% and Hybrids up 5%. These kinds of numbers haven’t been seen since the Clean Car Discount/post-lockdown boom seen in 2023...

The Iranian military has threatened shipping in the Gulf, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Oman if the US naval blockade continues. The threats made by general Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi were apparently aired on Iranian state television. Meanwhile, talks could resume as early as this week with NBC news reporting Trump has said the war was “very close to over” while Tehran has said messages were st...

Illicit tobacco is quietly taking hold across New Zealand. A Retail NZ report warns the country could soon face the same violent black-market spiral seen in Australia. It has found more than a quarter of smokers are using illicit tobacco - most sourced from China and the Middle East. Some cartons are being sold for as little as 15 dollars - with supply controlled by organised crime groups. So what...

The US blockade of Iranian ports has begun. President Donald Trump is warning any ships that try to disrupt US efforts will be eliminated. Earlier, Iran's parliament speaker said the country would not "surrender under threats". Weekend peace talks between the US and Iran ended without resolution, with Trump blaming Iran 's unwillingness to end its nuclear ambitions. Vice President JD Vance has sai...

It’s 208 days until Kiwis hit the polls and vote for the next Government. And despite campaigning not officially starting, the Prime Minister’s performance has been called into question, time and time again. Accusations range from Luxon leaning too much into corporate speak and acting like a CEO to dodging questions, and even ...

There are more than 70 Kiwis banged up abroad, according to new data. But, the true figure is likely higher, with many detainees choosing not to tell the New Zealand government they’ve been arrested. They’re detained across dozens of countries, from the US and Australia to parts of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. NZ Herald senior journalist Anna Leask has been looking into New Zeala...

Cyclone Vaianu is currently tracking toward the top of the North Island with forecasters warning it could make landfall between Auckland and the Coromandel this weekend.  Heavy rain, high winds and coastal surges are all in play, with officials stating it could be a potentially life-threatening weather event. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has recommended people stock up and get...

Donald Trump has backed down again on threats towards Iran. In a social media post, the President said he has agreed “to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” and that this “will be a double-sided ceasefire”. It’s after Iranians formed human chains along bridges and around power plants after Trump vowed that “a whole civilisation will...

Iran has rejected a proposed ceasefire with the US and Israel.  It’s after an expletive-ridden post from President Donald Trump – where he demanded the Strait of Hormuz be opened or else Iran would be “living in Hell”.  Iran’s deputy foreign minister has accused Trump of threatening war crimes, saying strikes on power plants and bridges w...

It’s been revealed that Ardie Savea’s future with the All Blacks hung in the balance. His push to quit was amid whispers of player discontent and coaching fractures exposing deep cracks in the team’s foundations. Players apparently openly questions coaching, discipline, and its overall direction. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald rugby analyst, Gregor Paul, joins us to break dow...

The financial year is coming to an end.  It means we’ll see a whole bunch of policies and adjustments from April 1.   Everything from crayfish catch limits and Pharmac funding to changes to the Living and Minimum wages.  Super annuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among those who will recei...

With the word ‘crisis’ now comes talk about working from home. As oil prices rise and the cost of petrol surges towards $4 a litre, it’s been flagged as a potential voluntary measure in contingency plans. There’s been no direct government endorsement or mandate for working from home, but it’s been recognised as a possible fuel-saving step if the crisis worsens, alongs...

Iran is warning against US ground invasion as regional leaders ramp up diplomatic efforts. It comes as the USS Tripoli – carrying 3,500 US service members – arrived in the Middle East at the weekend. It’s all while Pakistan said it is prepared to host US-Iran talks after meeting with foreign ministers from Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. But, what are the chances of peace in the...

Look around Auckland, and you’ll see a spattering of planned, under-development, or moth-balled building projects. The city’s ever-changing face often dominates Aucklander’s conversations – for good, or oftentimes, bad. So as we prepare to ride the $5.5 billion City Rail Link this year, what else should we be excited about? Or, are there more building sites going quiet than...

The Government's confirmed it's going ahead with scrapping the current NCEA system. Cabinet's agreed to an overhaul of secondary school qualifications - replacing NCEA with new subject-based assessments in Year 12 and Year 13. Education Minister Erica Stanford says consultation showed strong support for structural change. NCEA will be replaced with a new system with two levels over Years 12 a...

It’s a trying time for the Government, with fuel prices and the Iran War affecting just about every Kiwi. It’s something the Opposition knows all too well, handling a crisis not of their making, with Covid. But, how are politicians of all stripes handling the pressure?  How is the public feeling about their performance? And, how much weight should we put on polls anyway? Are they...

Every New Zealander at the moment is feeling the impact of the price of fuel.   It’s something Finance Minister Nicola Willis has mentioned time and time again.   She’s also made it incredibly clear that this government won’t make the same mistakes as the last – so, any financial assistance must be t...

Iran has vowed to close the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely -- if the US follows through on President Donald Trump’s threats. It’s after Trump gave Iran an ultimatum to open the passage before American forces "obliterate" their power plants. But, if that happens, there’d be a large-scale blackout, resulting in widespread civilian harm - so, the question then becomes – would t...