The Front Page

New jobs data out today spells worry for New Zealand’s economy. 

The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the December 2025 quarter – the highest since September 2015. 

Most banks had expected unemployment to hold steady at 5.3%, ASB was a bit more bullish picking 5.2%. 

It means 165,000 people were unemployed last quarter – a quarterly increase of 5,000 people...  

But, what does it all mean? What sectors are struggling? And can the government keep calling it all the “mess they inherited”?  

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, is with us to dive into the data.  

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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: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s about to become cheaper, and easier, to get your driver’s license in New Zealand.

Changes include scrapping the second practical test, a longer 12-month learner period for under 25s, new restricted periods, and an expanded zero-alcohol rule for all learner and restricted drivers – regardless of age.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has said the aim is to make licensing more efficient and affordable.

The new system will take effect from the end of January next year.

But, will the first major change to the system in 15 years make our roads safer?

Today on The Front Page, AA road safety manager Dylan Thomsen is with us to dive into the details of this new system.

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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: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's files have exploded back into the headlines with millions of newly released documents exposing elite networks and power dynamics.

More than three million pages of material have been released – including documents, images and video.

So, what does this mean for trust in traditional power structures? And is it only a matter of time before a New Zealand politician is caught up in the saga?

Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman is with us to unpack the international ramifications.

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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: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Post is removing services from 142 partner stores this year.

It follows a long line of postal groups around the world scaling back as we enter a new era dominated by tech.

Czech Post closed 300 post office branches, the Greek postal service shut more than 200 last year, UK networks have gone through rolling waves of reductions, and Denmark has ended traditional letter delivery entirely – an end to a 400-year-old service.

But, how will the switch impact small-town communities? And the elderly?

Today on The Front Page, Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen is with us to take us through what this could mean for those who need these services the most.

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 Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As children across New Zealand head back to school, many will be arriving without the basics.

58 schools are starting 2026 on the waitlist for KidsCan.

The charity provides the essentials for Kiwi kids living in poverty.

A survey of waitlisted schools shows more than half provide breakfast for their students, often diverting funds from their operational budget.

So why, in 2026, are kids going to school hungry?

Today on The Front Page, KidsCan CEO Dame Julie Chapman is with us to offer a glimpse into the lives of far too many children in this country who are going without.

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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: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 24 years, former National Party leader Judith Collins has called time on her career in politics for a new role as head of the law commission.

Collins is the longest-continuously serving female MP in New Zealand, winning her electorate seats in Clevedon and then Papakura at every general election she has contested since 2002.

The prime minister’s office has confirmed Collins will remain the MP for Papakura, retaining her portfolios until she moves to the law commission mid-year.

So, what does her departure mean for New Zealand politics, who is National lining up for her seat, and when the history books are written – what will Judith Collins’ be remembered for?

Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper is with us to unpack a career defined by survival, scandal, comebacks, and crushing presence in New Zealand politics.

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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: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recovery operation at the Mt Maunganui landslide continues with police warning it could take days or even weeks.

Tauranga City Council has launched an investigation into what happened in the run-up to the deadly landslide.

Already questions are being asked about who knew what, and when. We'll talk to University of Canterbury senior lecturer in disaster risk and resilience, Dr Tom Robinson about the danger of landslides after severe weather events.
Also, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah has been in Mount Maunganui for several days, and joins us 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 Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From celery-juice cleanses to infomercial ab-busting gadgets, society has always been on a diet.

It’s a global, multi-billion-dollar powerhouse industry.

The latest trend that you would have heard about are GLP1s, or weight-loss injections.

Pharmac is seeking advice on whether they should be funded for certain people.

Australia’s committed to it for certain patients, taking the cost down to about $29 per script.

A drug like Wegovy for instance, costs about $460 per script in New Zealand. 

But, are they really beneficial? Or, is it just the next get skinny quick ploy?

Today on The Front Page, obesity specialist, Dr Gerard McQuinlan is with us to explore whether these drugs should be funded, or is diet and exercise really the only answer?

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 Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has revealed that the annual inflation rate for 2025 was 3.1%.

It puts the inflation rate outside the bank’s target band of 1 to 3%.

While it’s slowed sinificantly since the most recent peak of 7.3% in the June 2022 quarter, it has risen every quarter since December 2024.

And while economist expect it to sit around 3 or 3.1% -- the Reserve Bank’s November prediction had it at 2.7%.

But, what does it all mean? And are dreams of a quick fix in 2026 in the rear view mirror? 

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Business editor at large, Liam Dann is with us to break it down.

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 Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch woman told friends she was dying of cancer.

They grieved and gave thousands to help her. But then, the unthinkable happened.

It was all a farce.

Nicola Flint is accused of forging medical letters and defrauding a rugby club of more than $100,000.

Today on The Front Page, senior crime reporter and host of A Moment in Crime, Anna Leask, has been diving into this case with a special two part series on Flint’s diagnosis deception.

She joins us now.

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 Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.