The Front Page

The Front Page is revisiting some of the major stories of 2022. 

After a tumultuous period of upheaval, leadership coups and scandals, the National Party has enjoyed a period of far greater stability over the last 12 months.

This has been reflected in the poll numbers, which have seen the party steadily rise under the leadership of Christopher Luxon. But Luxon is far from the finished political product.  
 
He’s made a fair share of gaffes and missteps, and there are still serious questions about National’s policies on major issues. 
 
So as the country heads into an election year, does Luxon have what it takes to turn that spike in popularity into a winning campaign platform? 

In November, Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen joined The Front Page to give his verdict on Luxon’s first 12 months in charge of the National Party, and what challenges lie ahead.  

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. New episodes return on January 9th.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the next few weeks, we will be revisiting some of the major stories covered in 2022.

Labour has celebrated five years in government, but recent polling suggests securing a third term will be a battle.  
 
Consistent polling puts National and Act ahead of Labour and the Greens, and the Prime Minister’s preferred Prime Minister rating has declined steadily.  
 
This does not bode well for Labour in the lead-up to an election year.  

So after five years, what have been the highs and lows of Jacinda Ardern’s government – and can the party win back the public’s confidence? 

Newstalk ZB deputy political editor Jason Walls joined us in October to rate the last five years, and consider whether Jacinda Ardern still has enough stardust to secure a third term for Labour.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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. New episodes return on January 9th.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the next few weeks, we're revisiting some of the major stories covered in 2022. 

Aotearoa has had a bit of a reckoning with its drinking culture. 

Multiple documentaries and personal stories have spotlighted the harm drinking can have, while non-alcoholic drinks and initiatives are gaining traction.  

Among those taking a stand is Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick. The Auckland Central representative introduced a bill aimed at changing the laws around the sale and advertising of alcohol in this country.

And while the Government is set to adopt some of the proposed reforms, they don’t go as far as what Swarbrick would like to see. 

The MP joined Damien back in July to explain why she has taken on this fight, and why she’s willing to take on the lobby groups to see change enacted.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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. New episodes return on January 9th.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the next few weeks, The Front Page is revisiting some of the major stories we covered in 2022.

No story has been bigger this year than Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  

The conflict started at the end of February, and there are no signs of either side giving up any time soon. 

While the world condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions, it’s hardly the first time the Russian strongman has lashed out – nor is it the first time he got things wrong. 

Navalny, a film about opposition politician Alexei Navalny highlighted some of Putin’s failings, by following the one man who has shown that he can be challenged. 

Director Daniel Roher joined us in September to discuss why he was compelled by Navalny’s story, and why Putin is so desperate to keep him silent. 

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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. New episodes return on January 9th.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the next few weeks, The Front Page is revisiting some of the major stories we covered in 2022.  

Over the last year, the divide between rural and urban New Zealand has only seemed to widen. There was no better example of that than an episode of Country Calendar.

In the episode, businessman Geoff Ross sparked heated debate when detailed some of his more unconventional approaches to farming, including switching music in the wool shed from AC/DC to Vivaldi in an attempt to improve animal welfare.

So why was this so controversial, and what did a seemingly harmless TV show expose our rural realities in 2022? 

NZX head of insights and rural analyst Julia Jones joined us earlier in July and pointed out that the kerfuffle surrounding the TV show was reflective of a fear of change.  

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio 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. New episodes return on January 9th.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the next few weeks, The Front Page is revisiting some of the major stories we covered in 2022.  
 
Today, we look at the road toll, which has again served as a reminder that driving in Aotearoa isn’t always safe. The latest data for 2022 shows that our road toll has exceeded 350 deaths for the first time since 2018.
 
And as New Zealanders prepare for their getaways, these numbers could become even worse before we hit the new year.  
 
So why does this keep happening? Why are our safety strategies not working? And what should we be doing to keep drivers safe on the tarmac? 
 
Road safety expert Dr Fergus Tate stepped in in June to help us better understand the dangers on our roads. And his insights have only become more relevant over 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. New episodes return on January 9th.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the last new episode of The Front Page for 2022 – and what a year it has been. 

Since the podcast launched in March, we have seen a range of political scandals, crime wave concerns, economic ups and downs, and the death of our head of state.  

So before we turn on the automatic replies and head off on our summer breaks, we are taking a look back at the biggest stories of the year, and what they may mean for the months ahead.  
 
Today, Damien is joined by Cooking the Books podcast host Frances Cook and Wellington Business editor Jenée Tibshraeny for their takes on 2022.  

And enjoy some of our favourite episodes from 2022 over the next three weeks - and join us back on January 9th for new episodes!

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: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy Fox
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the year comes to an end, there’s no sign yet of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reaching a conclusion any time soon.  

The Ukrainian people remain committed to their fight, and have seen wins in recent weeks. But a change in approach from Russia means many Ukrainians are in for a cold, dark Christmas. 

Today, Damien speaks to New Zealand journalist Tom Mutch, who has spent most of the year in Ukraine covering the war, but has just arrived back in Aotearoa

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: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid-19 has continued to be a dark shadow hanging heavy over everything that has happened in 2022 - and it seems that this disease is not yet done with us. 

Cases are tracking up and dozens of New Zealanders are continuing to die weekly. 

So how worrying is the rise in cases amid waning immunity and more relaxed behaviour over the summer holidays? And what long-term strategy does the Government have in place to deal with the ongoing threat of Covid-19?   

Today, NZ Herald science writer Jamie Morton joins Damien to share his insight on the virus that just won’t go away.    

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: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy Fox
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The political year is coming to an end, and what a year it has been.  

Rogue MPs, shock resignations, and legislative controversies have dominated headlines for both sides of the House this year.  

And as things wind down, attention is firmly focused on the general election, and if Labour and the Greens can make it to a third term or if National and Act will be in control by this time next year.

To discuss the year that’s been and what it means for the next 12 months, Damien is joined by NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett for her thoughts on 2022's political 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: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.