The Front Page

Aotearoa’s school decile system has been scrapped.   In its place we now have an equity index that will change how the distribution of funding to schools works.  This will give most schools a funding boost, but there are also those that will be left short-changed.   So what problem is the Government trying to fix here? What does mean for students? And will this plan even work?   Today, Damien is joined by senior political reporter Michael Neilsen, as we follow the money into New Zealand’s school system.    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 VenutoProducers: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WIlsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two terms, current Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is stepping aside. As things stand, Efeso Collins and Wayne Brown look the most likely candidates to take the supercity’s top job.   So, after 40 years across both local and central government, what has the former Labour Party leader learned about New Zealand politics? And who’s got his vote in these local body elections?  Today, Damien is joined by Phil Goff to hear what it takes to lead Aotearoa's only super city. 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 VenutoProducers: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s CEOs have had their say. The latest edition of the annual Mood of the Boardroom has surveyed 165 high-profile executives and directors, to shed a light on what they really think about our politicians, and where the country is headed. So how optimistic are these business leaders feeling? Which Government politicians have left them frustrated? And what do they think about the prospect of the Opposition taking over? Today, Mood of the Boardroom editorial director Fran O’Sullivan joins Damien to check the pulse of New Zealand’s business elite.  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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meteorologists are forecasting that New Zealand may be in for another major marine heatwave this summer.   There are concerns that it could be as severe as two of the biggest we’ve ever recorded. So what impact will this have on the weather in New Zealand? What is causing these events to become more regular? And what impact will it have on the weather in this country?    Today, NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll joins Damien to discuss why the country might have to brace for another muggy summer.    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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early August, it was first reported that human remains had been discovered inside suitcases purchased by a Manurewa family.   A few weeks later, the tragic news came from Police that these were the bodies of two children, and that an international manhunt was underway to find those believed responsible.  Last week, a 42-year-old woman was arrested in South Korea, understood to be the children’s mother.  So how did this horrific case unfold, and now that there’s been an arrest, how soon until justice is served for these young victims?  Today, NZ Herald reporter Tom Dillane joins Damien to discuss the case that has shocked the nation.   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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queen Elizabeth II has been laid to rest. It was the final event for a monarch who dedicated seven decades of her 96 years to a role she inherited.    The public turned up in their thousands across the United Kingdom to pay their respects to their fallen queen, and to welcome their new King.  Now that the official period of mourning is over, what’s next for the United Kingdom as the country adjusts to the biggest change to the royal family since 1952?   To discuss the mood on the ground, Damien is joined by Newshub’s national correspondent Patrick Gower from London.   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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine rages on, the world continues to watch in horror. But his invasion is just the latest example of Putin's autocratic political reign. His attempts to poison opposition politician Alexei Navalny offered a glimpse at what Putin was capable of. Film director Daniel Roher followed Navalny in the aftermath of that assassination attempt and got incredible insight into not only the evil Putin was capable of but also his habit of strategic blunders.   So what does this say about our perceptions of Putin in the West? And what does this mean for Putin's future as the world  Today, Roher joins Damien for a discussion about what we can learn from one man’s attempt to stand up against the so-called ‘Strongman’ of Russia. Navalny is available to watch now on DocPlay. 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 VenutoEditor/Producer: Shaun D. WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The funeral of Queen Elizabeth the second is set to commence today. The event will be attended by more than 2000 official guests, including many heads of state from around the world.   The eyes of the commonwealth will be fixed on a historic moment as the longest-serving monarch in British history is laid to rest.   Today, NZ Herald lifestyle writer Beth Reitsma joins Damien to discuss what to expect from this once-in-a-century event. 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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A spate of recent accidents has drawn attention to the dangers of working in the construction industry.   Amputations, explosions, electrocutions and a number of other horrific events have all shown why construction consistently rates as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.  So why are these tragic events continue to happen? Is New Zealand’s safety management up to scratch? And is our 'she’ll be right' culture undermining progress? Today, NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson joins Damien to discuss the dangers of being on a building site in New Zealand.  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 VenutoEditor: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent petition signed by 70,000 people suggested that it was time to change the official name of New Zealand to Aotearoa. This comes amid growing acceptance of the use of te reo in the public setting. But not everyone agrees that the official name of New Zealand should change. And there is also debate about whether Aotearoa is the right name to represent the whole country.   So is this the time to hold a debate? And what names should we be considering as we look to the future?  Today, former broadcaster, MP and current Māori Party President John Tamihere joins Damien for a discussion about history and the words that have been used to describe these islands.  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 VenutoEditor/Producer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.