The Front Page

The economic mood around the world is turning gloomier.  

Economists and bankers have conceded that the fight against inflation is going to take longer than expected – and this also applies to New Zealand.  

There are also growing concerns that we are headed for a recession. 

So what will trigger this? How bad will it be? And will the New Zealand economy hold up amid this growing pressure?  

Today, Damien is joined by NZ Herald personal finance editor and co-host of Continuous Disclosure Tamsyn Parker for a discussion about the economic clouds that are gathering across the world. 

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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
Editor: Paddy Fox
Producer: Shaun D Wilson 
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former cabinet Minister Kris Faafoi has confirmed that he will be launching a lobbying firm.

In doing so, he joins an influential group of spin doctors who promise influence over and access to some of the biggest decision makers in the country.

Faafoi’s quick transition from Government to lobbying has led to questions about whether we should be allowing this at all.   

So how much sway do lobbyists actually have? Should former politicians be allowed to go straight into lobbying roles? And is our approach to lobbying harming our democracy?    

Today,  author and researcher Max Rashbrooke joins Damien to delve into the complex web of political spin doctors operating behind the scenes.  

 

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One of the nation’s most anticipated elections is back for another year. 

The two-week voting period for Bird of the Year kicks off today, one year after the race made global headlines when the top prize went (confusingly) to a bat.  

The annual competition run by Forest and Bird is used to making headlines, but there’s a serious message behind all the competition. 

So how are our native birds faring, and is the country doing enough to help them survive?  

Today, Forest and Bird’s Ellen Rykers joins Damien to discuss the hot favourites to take out the feathery crown this year.

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax cuts are always a hot topic before a general election, and 2023 is shaping up to be no different.

However, a new report from Oxfam has ranked New Zealand one hundred and thirty-sixth in the world on our distribution of wealth.
 
So while some want to see tax cuts across the board, including for the very rich, the other end of the spectrum wants to a new tax to break that concentration of wealth.
 
So which tax approach would actually work? And what can we learn from the international community about getting the balance right?
 
Today, Damien is joined by Oxfam Aotearoa advocacy and communications director Jo Spratt and University of Auckland tax expert Professor Craig Elliffe to discuss what the country should do on taxes. 

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden has announced federal pardons for those convicted of cannabis possession, wiping clean a criminal record that may have made it difficult to get a job or accommodation after serving out their sentence. 

Like the United States, Aotearoa’s drug convictions are tilted heavily against one ethnic group. In their case African-Americans, in our case Māori are much more likely to be prosecuted for drug-related offenses. This has been called a clear example of the systemic racism in our legal system. 

Should New Zealand also be considering pardons and wider drug reform? Would this send the right message regarding drug use? And do our politicians have an appetite for change after the failure of 2020’s marijuana legalisation referendum? 

Today, New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm joins Damien to hash out the pros and cons of our approach to drugs. 

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A world-first scheme will see farmers in New Zealand pay for methane emissions from their livestock by 2025.  

The Government has admitted that getting the scheme in place within three years will "require a significant amount of work". 

So what is the plan? Will it significantly curtail climate change? And will farmers be able to manage the financial pressure added to their load?

Today, Andrew Hoggard, the President of Federated Farmers, joins Damien for a discussion about how this plan will work in practice and what impact it’s likely to have on the farming community. 

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland has spoken, and the country’s largest city has a new mayor in Wayne Brown.

The former mayor of the Far North says his win gives him a mandate for change, with key policies focused on shaking up council-controlled organisations and cutting costs. 

But how exactly will he deliver on those promises? And with less than a third of Aucklanders bothering to vote, how secure is that mandate?

Today, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins Damien to discuss the changes ahead under Tāmaki Makaurau’s new mayor.

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of systemic repression of women, the people of Iran are calling for change, a call their government can no longer ignore. 

So what’s sparked this movement now, after decades under this oppressive regime? Will it be enough to bring change? And could New Zealand be doing more to support the cause? 

Today, Damien is joined by Iranian-born Green MP Golriz Ghahraman and Dr Forough Amin, the founder of the Iranian Women in New Zealand charitable trust, for a discussion about why this is the moment that Iranian women are standing up for their rights.

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.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producers: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy Fox

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ninth edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup is kicking off. The excitement is tangible for the growing legion of fans who enjoy following their sporting idols.

However, the promotion around this world-class sporting event pales in comparison to when the Men’s Rugby World Cup was previously held in New Zealand.

So are we doing enough to back the Black Ferns? Who are the main teams to watch this year? And can the Black Ferns take the trophy for a record sixth time?
 
Today, Damien is joined by NZ Herald columnist, huge rugby fan, and passionate player of the game, Alice Soper.

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.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producers: Paddy Fox and Shaun D Wilson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roaming and feral dogs are causing chaos in Northland. Dozens of livestock have fallen, and August saw a man tragically lose his life to pack of dogs.

This terrifying problem has been caused by a combination of feral and roaming dogs.

So why is this happening? How much harm is being caused? And what is animal control doing to stop this from continuing?   

Today, Damien speaks to Northern Advocate reporter Peter DeGraaf about the dangerous canines wreaking havoc across Northland.

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.