The Front Page

Is New Zealand’s legal system moving fast enough to adapt to new technologies?

It’s a question being asked by some of our top academics and MPs.

The conversation around covert recordings has made headlines this week – as well as questions around whether it’s illegal.

And Act MP Laura McClure made global headlines after holding up a photo of herself naked in Parliament. It was an AI-generated ‘deepfake’, which McClure said took her only moments to create.

So do our existing laws protect victims from being abused through rapidly developing technology?

First on The Front Page, we discuss that viral deepfake moment with Act’s Laura McClure. Then, on the rise of new techology, University of Canterbury professor of law, Cassandra Mudgway.

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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/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every few weeks, it seems that we are reporting on a recidivist drink driver who is once again going through the court system due to their behaviour.

And there are still thousands going through the justice system every year. In fact, figures show that over 15,000 people were convicted last year for driving under the influence.

Now, a new survey has shown consistent support from New Zealanders to tackle drink driving.

Conducted by the New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council, more Kiwis are keen to see Police issue on the spot fines for minor alcohol related offences, while there remains high support for confiscating cars and the use of alcohol interlocks in cars.

With this high support in place, what can be done to get drunk drivers off our roads?

Today on The Front Page, we discussing how we can curb drunk drivers with Virgina Nicholls, executive director of the New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council.

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 divided nature of our politics has been spotlighted once again.

A fiery debate has seen Te Pati Maori’s leaders suspended for Parliament in the harshest punishment ever handed down to a politician.

It was a vote made along party lines – with the Government parties voting in favour of the Privileges Committee recommendations, and the left-bloc voting against.

And that split was highlighted once again by two polls with conflicting results showing who will win next year.

Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls to discuss the latest in politics – starting with a scandal that has hit the Prime Minister’s office.

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.

It has been revealed that the Government considered using private company Bluebridge to replace the current Interislander fleet.

It’s just the latest in the saga that is the Cook Strait ferries, after years of negotiations, debate, and an axed contract.

But it’s hardly the first time we’ve had a major transport project face delays and changes.

All forms of transport are eyeing big investments, but how long before we actually get some movement?

Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell is with us to dig into the politics behind the country’s transport networks.

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.

A new study suggests that another Pike River mine disaster is likely.

The Victoria University of Wellington researchers say the failures that lead to the disaster that killed 29 men could happen again at any other organisation.

One of their "potentially disturbing observations" is that health & safety training, auditors, and well-qualified staff were not enough to prevent failure – and may also have provided an "illusion of certainty" and overconfidence.

The new research has come amidst a slew of changes to health and safety legislation being pushed through by the Government, which has sparked warnings from advocates.

One of those is Mike Cosman, an independent health and safety practitioner who sat on the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health & Safety established after the Pike River disaster.

 And he joins us now on The Front Page to discuss this new study and the proposed changes.

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.

A warmer winter is coming, meaning we might not need our heaters as much as we usually would.

However, these conditions won’t be great for those heading away for ski season.

And, while the puffer jackets can stay in the wardrobe, those rain ones will be getting a workout – because with a warmer winter, comes rain.

Today on The Front Page, Niwa forecaster Chris Brandolino is with us, to give a glimpse into what the weather might look like in the months ahead.

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 world of pop culture fandom was once on the fringes of society – comic books, anime and sci-fi movies have historically been seen as the realm of nerds living in their parents basement.

But in recent years, the power dynamics have shifted, and what was once considered niche is now very much in the mainstream.

Blockbuster movies are increasingly being dominated by superhero and fantasy genre, and that’s seeping into the world of prestige television.

And everything from Labubus to the latest Nintendo Switch console are flying off the shelves in ways that are taking their makers by surprise.

To unpack why this side of pop culture is proving so popular, we’re joined today on The Front Page by the Academic Dean at SAE Creative Media Institute, Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell.

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.

2024 was a difficult year for the Royal Family, with King Charles and the Princess of Wales both going public with cancer diagnoses, which required lengthy treatment that took them out of the spotlight.

Things have been looking rosier for the family so far this year, and the King is even flexing his diplomatic muscles in a visit to Canada amidst tensions between the country and the United States.

However, in recent weeks, the friction between the monarchy and Prince Harry has made headlines once again.

Today on The Front Page, for King’s Birthday, we’re touching in on the current state of the Royal Family with UK correspondent Gavin Grey.

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.

Act Party leader David Seymour will become New Zealand’s deputy prime minister tomorrow, taking over from Winston Peters.

He will be the 19th person to be the country’s second in command.

First elected to Parliament in 2014 – the last decade and a bit has seen Seymour’s meteoric rise from being his party’s sole MP to now sitting alongside 10 colleagues after Act’s best ever result in the 2023 election.

That result has allowed him to push through big changes around issues like regulation and government spending – but championing legislation such as the Treaty Principles Bill has also made him a lightning rod for controversy and backlash.

Today on The Front Page, Seymour joins us to talk his new role, backlash, regulations – and his thoughts on the opposition.

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 Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate 25-basis-points -- to 3.25 percent.

That's the lowest it's been since August 2022 – though there were discussions about holding it.

Today's move is in line with most economists' expectations, and is another positive sign of the growth of the economy.

But there remains global uncertainty over President Trump’s policies and what impact his tariffs and trade wars could have.

Today on The Front Page, Infometrics chief forecaster, Gareth Kiernan is with us to dissect the decision to cut again, and what impact global politics could have on our economy.

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.