The Front Page

Scams have always been a hot topic.

As technology gets more sophisticated, Kiwis of all ages are becoming more vulnerable to falling for them.

Estimates of how much money we’ve lost varies, though one NetSafe and Global Antiscam Alliance report estimated over 2 billion dollars lost last year alone.

So what is being done to try and solve this crisis, and do banks and the government need to take more responsibility?

NZ Herald senior reporter Lane Nichols joins us today on The Front Page to discuss the latest scammers and what solutions there could be in future.

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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: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From humble beginnings to a rising star in the National Party, James Meager’s journey to the Beehive has been rapid to say the least.

In just two years he’s gone from delivering his maiden speech, to becoming a Minister of the Crown, tackling the portfolios of Youth, Hunting and Fishing, and the newly established South Island portfolio. 

So, how do we make sure every young person in New Zealand gets the best possible start in life? And what does it actually mean to be the Minister for the South Island?

Today on The Front Page, James Meager joins us to discuss what the trajectory from party staffer to Minister has been like, and what the future holds for the kid from Timaru.

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: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could the Government be taking a step back from helping homeowners after the elements make their homes unliveable?

Recent extreme weather events have prompted a rethink of government housing protections.

Billions of dollars have been spent over the years on buying out homes after natural disasters.

But, in a changing world, and climate, where these events are happening harder and faster, is the idea of the Crown stepping in with unlimited cash unsustainable?

Today on The Front Page, Insurance Council chief executive Kris Faafoi joins us to explain what the future looks like for homeowners.

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: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly six years after disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein died in prison, he has once again become the centre of political controversy in the US.

It’s after the Justice Department decided not to release more detailed records from the investigation into him and his death – with Attorney General Pam Bondi concluding he did not leave behind a so-called “client list”.

But, that hasn’t stopped the avalanche of speculation –  and major MAGA infighting -- over the apparent “lack of transparency”.

So, has there been a major cover-up? Or have we succumbed to another Kennedy-esque conspiracy, and there’s ACTUALLY “nothing to see here”?

Today on The Front Page, Associated Press Washington correspondent Eric Tucker takes us through the latest in the Epstein saga.

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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
Sound Engineer: Corey Fleming and Kane Dickie 
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of central Auckland sits on the remains of 53 volcanic cones and craters.

While there’s no way of knowing when an eruption will happen, it’s been said time and time again that it’s not a case of ‘if’, but ‘when.

New research now suggests that deathly clouds of hot, fast-moving gas and debris could travel much further than previously thought if an eruption happened in Auckland.

But, how likely is it that a volcanic eruption could happen in Auckland in our lifetime? And what can we gain from this research?

Today on The Front Page, we’re talking to University of Auckland professor Jan Lindsay, who is spearheading the research into our volcanic threats.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump tariffs are inching closer and closer towards becoming a reality.

While they were meant to kick into gear last week, they've been delayed again – this time to August 1.

Despite being accused of “chickening out”, Donald Trump has reignited the tariff talk through a series of letters and social media posts – announcing new duties on dozens of countries, if they don’t sign trade deals.

In the months since ‘Liberation Day’, only two countries have signed agreements with the US – so is it likely that dozens more will be signed in the next month? Or are we firmly in an era of tit for tat tariff wars, and economic uncertainty?

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann joins us to discuss the latest in the economic story that is dominating 2025.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the ultra-wealthy pay more tax?

It’s a debate that’s continued for decades, even centuries. From Ancient Athens to present day, the idea has been a constant when it comes to addressing inequality.

Yet, no government has been brave enough to impose one.

It’s a staple of the Green Party’s proposed Budget, which promises bold moves to make sure everyone has a warm home, decent kai, and the care and support for a good life.

But who pays? And is leaning even more left than centre doing wonders for the party’s polling?

Today on The Front Page, Green Party co-leader, Chlöe Swarbrick is with us to discuss whether it’s time for the wealthy few to fund.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long tail of Covid is still being felt for some parts of our society.

The second stage of the Royal Commission into the Covid-19 response kicked off this week, with public testimony from business owners and those impacted by vaccine mandates and the lengthy lockdowns in Auckland and Northland.

It’s part of the coalition deal between National and both ACT and NZ First, and has prompted criticism over being overtly political and spotlighting conspiracy theorists.

But with so many in the community still focused on the events of 2020 and 2021, are we ever going to move past it?

We’ll discuss that later with independent political and social commentator Grant Duncan, but first on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB reporter Emily Ansell is with us to explain what’s happening with the royal commission.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not In My Back Yard.

For decades, that has been a battle cry for suburbanites and homeowners unimpressed by changes happening in their neighbourhood.

But, how often are those complaints valid, or are they just people unhappy with change?

With both a 16.5 metre tall Buddha statue in Waiwera Valley, and a helipad in Westmere getting people talking, today on The Front Page we’re looking into the resource management process and why some things get approved, and others don’t.

Later, we’ll talk with Associate Professor Caroline Miller from Massey University’s Resource and Environmental Planning Programme.

But first, for details on that giant Buddha statue, we’re talking to NZ Herald senior reporter David Fisher.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antisemitic sentiment has risen globally since the war in Gaza began, including in our part of the world.

A man has been charged after a Melbourne synagogue was set alight last Friday. The alleged antisemitic attack has seen the country’s Home Affairs Minister describe it as an “attack on Australia”.

The attack’s prompted the country’s Labor party to push for reforming the school curriculum to tech children about antisemitism.

But, these kind of anti-Jewish attitudes aren’t reserved for our trans-Tasman neighbours.

An NZ Jewish Council report last year found in the 12 months from October 7 2023, there were 227 recorded antisemitic incidents, a jump from 166 in the eight and a half years prior.

So, how has the Gaza conflict exacerbated these tensions? And how can the Jewish faith be separated from the actions of the state of Israel?

Today on The Front Page, Holocaust Centre of New Zealand chair Deborah Hart joins us to discuss the rise of antisemitism here, and how we might be able to combat 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 Daniels
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.