The Front Page

When Government talks about cracking down on crime, they often refer to gangs and retail crime that leave a visible mark behind.  But, for a growing number of New Zealanders, online scams are becoming the most common crime many of us deal with.  It’s estimated that we’re losing around 200 million dollars a year to cyber crime – but given many of those affected may be too embarrassed to report a crime, some think that figure is closer to 2 billion.   So is there anything that can be done to stop these crimes, and is the government putting enough focus on this issue?  Today on The Front Page, Banking Association chief executive Roger Beaumont joins us as part of the Herald’s new Scambusters series to discuss this rapidly growing area.   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: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National has unveiled their plan for transport over the next term and it includes some new fees coming your way.  Getting a Motor Vehicle Registration is about to become a lot more expensive, while promises not to raise fuel taxes are being kept – but only just.  All of this is to fund a revival of the National Party’s Roads of National Significance, but are voters going to care when it means higher costs to drive on them?   Today on The Front Page, New Zealand Herald senior political journalist Derek Cheng joins to analyse the Government’s big transport shakeup.   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: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has set every part of the public service a target to find savings between 6.5 and 7.5 per cent before the Budget is delivered in May.  These cuts have been discussed since the campaign trail, but what impact they are set to have is yet to be seen.  Now, thanks to the Official Information Act, we have some idea of how 11 Ministries are trying to tackle this – and it has led to a lot of concern within the departments that run the country.  Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB Wellington reporter Azaria Howell joins to discuss what we’ve learned about the cost crunch happening behind the scenes in our ministries.   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: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two trials, David Charles Benbow has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Michael McGrath in 2017. Benbow will spend at least 17 years behind bars for McGrath’s death in a case that has garnered national attention. And that’s because McGrath’s body has never been found. New Zealand Herald senior crime reporter Sam Sherwood has been following this case for seven years, and even served as a witness for the Crown during the first trial. He joins The Front Page to discuss this captivating case. 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: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the cost of living crisis drags on, it seems even some of the country’s top educators can’t avoid the woes of inflation. An analysis by the Herald has revealed school fees for many of the country’s top private schools have risen drastically in the last two years. So what’s driving those costs – and do these schools results justify the fees? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior journalist Alex Spence talks us through the rising cost of going to the country’s most exclusive schools, and later, Head of Data Chris Knox looks at the results for these schools. You can read both pieces by Alex and Chris here:   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: Katie HarrisSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank last week announced the Official Cash Rate would stay at 5.5 per cent. But while things are looking positive for a cut sooner than expected, the Bank has warned inflation is still sitting above where it needs to be. So, in the wake of our major publicly listed companies reporting their half-year results, how is the economy holding up, and can we expect a sunny or stormy outlook for the coming months?  Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann joins us for his take on the state of 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: Georgina CampbellSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deaths of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies have gripped both sides of the Tasman for the last week.  After a nearly week long search, Police on Tuesday said they have found their bodies in Bungonia in southern New South Wales.  While the search may be over, questions remain over the response of New South Wales police, particularly as one of their own is alleged to have committed this crime.  ABC News reporter Isaac Nowroozi was at the scene in Bungonia earlier this week. He joins The Front Page today to discuss the case that has shocked Australia, and the world. 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: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Later today, Fa’anānā Efeso Collins will be laid to rest.  The former Auckland Councillor and mayoral candidate turned Green MP, died suddenly last week after participating in a charity event.   His funeral is expected to draw a massive crowd in Manukau, a sign of the massive respect he was held in by the wider South Auckland community he so passionately advocated for.  Vaimoana Mase, the editor of the Herald’s Pasifika section, Talanoa, first met Collins as a teenager 21 years ago, and has followed his growth and career during her own.  She joins The Front Page to discuss the outpouring of grief and love for the late Efeso Collins.   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: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newshub – the news brand of Warner Bros Discovery-owned TV network Three – is due to close in June.  The shocking news was delivered to staff earlier today, with many of them now expected to lose their jobs.  So what led to the end of a news brand that has been around in various forms since 1989? And does it speak to broader worries about the local industry?   In this bonus episode of The Front Page, Media Insider and editor at large Shayne Currie joins to discuss the tragic end of another major news giant.   Host: Chelsea DanielsProducer: Ethan SillsEditor: Evan Paea 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has moved forward with plans to table a bill to disestablish the Maori Health Authority, tabling a bill this week that would see the authority shuttered after less than two years of operation.  It follows through on a campaign promise by all three coalition partners, and is a part of their 100-day plan.  So why is the authority being shut down after less than two years of operation – and, as the health system struggles with staffing shortages and high waiting times, where does this sit within the government’s other health priorities?   Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald health reporter Isaac Davison joins to discuss how the government plans to turn around an under-pressure health system.   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: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.