The Front Page

Covid restrictions have been removed, the borders have been opened, and Kiwis can take flights overseas with no worries about restrictions.   The news is timely for Air New Zealand, which this week launches its direct route to New York, giving New Zealanders the quickest option yet to get to the east coast of the United States.  But, after years of closed borders and limited flights, has the travel industry really bounced back? Are people ready for long-haul international flights again – or do airlines need to work on new incentives, and cheaper tickets, to get them back on board?  Today, Damien is joined by NZ Herald aviation reporter Grant Bradley to discuss how the travel industry is preparing to take flight once again. 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 recent case of a teenage rapist who was sentenced to nine months of home detention has sparked debate across New Zealand. Hundreds recently took to the streets in protest at the sentencing, with placards questioning the justice system, accusing it of failing victims and giving out what protesters saw as a light sentence.  So what was the justification for his sentencing? Is enough emphasis being placed on the harm suffered by the victim? And is it perhaps time to look at how New Zealand’s just system could be changed?  Today, Dr Alice Mills, a senior lecturer in criminology at Auckland University, joins Damien for discussion about whether New Zealand’s criminal sentences are simply too light.    Host: Damien VenutoEditor/Producer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in 70 years, the British royal family has to consider what it looks like under a new monarch.  King Charles has made no secret of his plans to slim down the number of working royals, plans he now has the opportunity to implement.   It could mean more work – and scrutiny – is placed on Prince William and his wife Catherine, as they assume the roles of Prince and Princess of Wales.  So what will the 21st-century royal family look like under Charles III, and will there be a seat for Harry and Meghan at the table?  Today, NZ Herald lifestyle and entertainment editor Jenni Mortimer joins Damien to discuss the changes running through the line of succession. 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 changeover from one monarch to the next is a moment seeped in history and tradition. Not only for the UK, but the entire commonwealth of nations.   After years of planning, the change from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III is both an immediate one and the start of potentially months-long processes.  Now that New Zealand has a new head of state, what will this change mean for our nation so far removed from England? And what does a change in monarch mean for the royal family?  Today, New Zealand historian Jock Phillips joins Damien from London for a discussion about the widespread impact from the death of Queen Elizabeth. 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.

Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96, bringing an end to her seven decades as queen. King Charles takes the throne immediately and will be known as King Charles III. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern issued a heartfelt tribute to New Zealand’s longest-serving monarch and the nation has now moved into a national state of mourning.  So what happens next and what does mean for the Royal family? NZ Herald lifestyle and entertainment editor Jenni Mortimer joins Damien for a discussion about Queen Elizabeth's remarkable life. 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/Producers: Shaun D Wilson, Brian Mahoney and Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, two Covid-positive women sent Northland into an 11-day lockdown after entering the region when they weren’t supposed to.   Reports at time suggested that they were sex workers and gang affiliated. Now, the release of a 700-page file into the case has revealed that wasn't true, and has detailed the bureaucratic blunder behind the case.   One of the women is now calling for an apology from the Government for the claims she says were fabricated about her.  Will that happen, and what does this case say about our Covid-19 response?  Today, senior NZ Herald writer David Fisher joins Damien for a discussion about his lengthy reporting into the Northland lockdown.   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.

New Zealand may be a small country at the bottom of the world, but some of the major retail brands that we’ve heard about for decades have started eyeing up our islands.  Costco, Ikea, and a range of fashion brands are amongst the global icons heading our way soon. But why are they choosing to open here now, and what does it mean for local businesses? Today, NZ Herald business reporter Aimee Shaw joins Damien for a rundown on the stores setting up shop in New Zealand, and Auckland University marketing professor Bodo Lang explains why these international brands are setting up shop here.  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.

House prices have been on the slide all year, amid what economists are calling a significant correction in the housing markets. At the same, interest rates have been rising rapidly as the Reserve Bank tries desperately to put a lid on inflation. International observers are now referring to the New Zealand housing market as the canary down the coal mine.     So how much worse could this become, what does this mean for first-home buyers with low equity and what happens if New Zealand slides into a recession? Today, Kelvin Davidson, the chief property economist at CoreLogic, joins Damien for a discussion about whether that canary will get a breather from the downward pressure.   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 FoxProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has been battling Covid-19 for nearly three years. But increasingly, people are having to learn to live with the virus.  Recently, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed that Cabinet will be looking at the traffic light system and if it's still fit for purpose.   It comes after reports that requirements for mask mandates could be significantly narrowed.  So as case numbers drop, is this the right move? And where does it leave the health system and the immunocompromised?   Today, University of Otago epidemiologist Dr Michael Baker joins Damien to discuss what the future may hold for Covid in Aotearoa.   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 Warriors ended the season with one final heartbreak, throwing away a commanding lead to lose the last game of 2022. This result left them second from bottom and marked the conclusion of one of the worst seasons in the team’s history.  Despite the stormy season, more than 20,000 fans still crammed in Mt Smart Stadium to watch the final match, and you can rest assured they’ll be back for more next season. So why does this team struggle so much to live up to its potential, and why do fans still bother turning up to support them?    Today, NZ Herald sports journalist Michael Burgess joins Damien to discuss the woeful track record of one of New Zealand’s most well-supported teams. 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.