The Front Page

Rates have increased across the country this week, with some cities better off than others. Auckland Council has confirmed a 5.8 percent average residential rates increase, the same day Wellington’s council struck a 12 percent lift in rates. Meanwhile, Gisborne residents face an average 9.95% rate increase, which equates to $400 or less for 80% of homeowners. The increases have come at the same as council valuations in Auckland dropped by 9%. But, what do lower CVs mean for your rates bill? And, what does it mean in the context of the wider property market? Today on The Front Page, Opes Partners’ economist Ed McKnight is with us to bust some myths about valuations, rates, and the current state of house prices. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last decade, as New Zealand has grappled with a housing crisis, golf courses have become a lightning rod for controversy. Auckland Council alone owns or manages 13 golf courses across the Super City, and many campaigners have targeted these sites as being prime land for housing. Though, as with any major project, there are plenty of loud voices on the other side of the debate. The recent controversy to hit the green has nothing to do with housing, but instead wetlands, flooding, and the Takapuna Golf Course. Ahead of the delivery of review findings next week on this case, today on The Front Page we’re unpacking the contentious nature of golf courses in Auckland, firstly with contributing writer for The Spinoff, Hayden Donnell. Then, later, to talk us through the golf course and Auckland Council’s views, we’re joined by NZ Herald reporter, Benjamin Plummer. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning that today’s episode contains content that listeners might find disturbing. You can find support links below.   New Zealand police are becoming increasingly concerned about online groups targeting Kiwi children through social media. Apps like Snapchat have become a breeding ground for sex abuse material, while overseas groups are actively participating in “sadistic online exploitation”. And it’s not just happening offshore, with two sisters this week sharing their story of being targeted by a Wellington man masquerading as an 11-year-old girl. NZ Herald investigative reporter Michael Morrah has been looking into this case for months, and joins us today on The Front Page to explore what’s happening online. 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/Sound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsMichael Morrah's full story from this week can be found here. SEXUAL HARM - Where to get help If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:  Call 0800 044 334Text 4334Email support@safetotalk.nzFor more info or to web chat visit www.safetotalk.nzAlternatively contact your local police station. If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault. Youth services: Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm) Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737 Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call 0800 000 053 For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, hauora, community mental health team, or counselling service. The Mental Health Foundation has more helplines and service contacts - click here for information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 24 year old woman has shared her identity in order to talk publicly about an inappropriate relationship she was involved in with a police officer. Alex McPhail earlier spoke to the Herald anonymously about her relationship with Christchurch-based detective Luke Fazackerley, who she met when she was 22 and reporting a rape to police. She complained about his behaviour to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, a complaint that has now been re-opened after the Herald reporting. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald reporter Katie Harris, who has covered Alex’s case, is with us to discuss why this particular case is making waves on both sides of the Tasman – and we’ll hear from Alex in her own words about what she experienced. 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/Sound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan Sills  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your chance of winning Powerball is 1 in 38 million – and it could be about to get a lot harder. The Herald has revealed Lotto NZ bosses are keen to increase the number of balls in the Powerball draw - and are already seeking permission from the Government for what has been described as a “matrix” change for the game. But, how will this affect your odds? And, why do they want to change the game anyway? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior reporter Neil Reid is here to crunch the numbers and tell us more about these potential changes on the way. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 1st, a series of changes are due to be implemented by the Government – and some of them will have a direct impact on your day to day. Notably, all rental properties in New Zealand must comply with healthy home standards, six years after that became law under the Labour Government. One Labour law change hasn’t survived though – that Government’s blanket speed limit reducations must all be revered by Tuesday. Paid parental leave rates will also go up, while Jobseeker support clients must now reapply for their benefit every 26 weeks, rather than 52. And the Invest New Zealand agency designed to attract foreign investment is due to be set up by July 1st as well. It’ll also be easier for Kiwis to access contraceptives such as IUDs, nutrition replacements will be fully funded for adults with Crohn’s disease, an increase in some customs fees and good levies crossing the border, and a new legal requirement to keep records of the movement of raw milk on and off farm. First on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson is with us to explain what healthy home standards actually look like. Later, we’ll dig into those more political changes and what they mean for you, with Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigation by the NZ Herald has revealed concerns with police recruitment. Over the last several months, we've learnt that prospective cops who didn’t pass fitness or literacy tests were allowed to start training, and dozens of recruits graduated from police college despite not being assessed on their ability to swim. It’s prompted an audit by police of the process, and promises to change things, but has the damage already been done? NZ Herald investigative reporter Michael Morrah has led the charge on this, and with us today on The Front Page to run through what’s gone wrong here and how Police have responded. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has claimed that a ceasefire has been declared in the war between Israel and Iran. Releasing a statement on Tuesday morning NZ time, Trump said there’d be a “complete and total ceasefire” in what he’s calling the “12 day war”. He said the war “could have destroyed the entire Middle East” and “could have gone on for years” but claimed both Israel and Iran came to him “almost simultaneously” and said “PEACE!” While there remains uncertainty about how long this ceasefire will last and how committed both sides are to it, there also remains questions about the legitimacy of the intelligence that sparked the targeting of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. To those familiar with how the Iraq War started, it does feel like a case of history repeating itself. Former New Zealand Prime Minister and administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Helen Clark, was instrumental in our country not engaging in that war. She joined The Front Page on Monday afternoon, prior to the ceasefire deal being announced, to discuss her experiences with Middle East conflicts and what the world should be doing to bring lasting PEACE! 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a move called Operation Midnight Hammer, the US has attacked several key nuclear facilities in Iran. The strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, with President Donald Trump saying “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier”. He’s also calling for Iran to “MIGA - MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN”.  In response, Iran’s foreign minister said Washington crossed a “very big red line” - AND its Parliament has reportedly voted to shut the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the world’s oil consumption flows through. The advancement saw our Foreign Minister Winston Peters quickly call for “diplomacy and dialogue” while also announcing government personnel and a Hercules aircraft are being deployed to the Middle East to help get stranded Kiwis home. Today on The Front Page, to help us make sense of this crisis and what this heightening of tensions mean for the rest of the world, we’re joined by University of Otago international relations professor, Robert Patman. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last few months, all we’ve been able to talk about when it comes to the economy has been tariffs and trade wars. Behind a lot of Donald Trump’s talk has been his desire to see more manufacturing done in the United States. And that includes everything from steel and cars down to smart phones. But how realistic is it to demand everything moves production to the US? And has Trump perhaps touched on a flaw in how our most popular products are made. Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by BusinessDesk’s Dileepa Fonseka to discuss how manufacturing actually works. 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 DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.