The Front Page

It is Easter Monday - one of the two religious holidays celebrated by the entire country. That’s despite a growing number of New Zealanders not identifying with any organised religion. So should the whole country still be celebrating the holidays associated with one religious group? And what role does religion have in modern-day Aotearoa? Last year, Damien spoke with host of Newstalk ZB’s Sunday at Six and the lead chaplain at Media Chaplaincy, Reverend Frank Ritchie, and his thoughtfulness makes this a conversation well worth hearing again. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local police and customs officials continue to make headlines for record-breaking drug busts – including a case this year where four tonnes of cocaine were found in the ocean.  But while officials are making progress at stopping drugs coming in – drug smugglers are finding new methods, with meth-laced beer recently leading to the death of an Auckland man.   So how concerned should we be by the number of drugs making it over our border – and what are authorities doing to keep these substances out?  Today, NZ Herald crime reporter Jared Savage joins The Front Page producer Shaun D Wilson to discuss this lucrative but illicit market.   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/Producer: Shaun D WilsonProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacinda Ardern shocked a sleepy nation in January when she announced that she would step down as Prime Minister and leave parliament as soon as possible. That moment has now arrived, with Ardern set to vacate her parliamentary role.  All eyes will now be fixed on Ardern’s valedictory speech as she bids farewell to the only career she’s known. So how will Ardern be remembered? And what type of ex-PM will she make?   Today, NZ Herald senior political correspondent Audrey Young, talks to Damien, to explore the legacy of one Aotearoa’s most notable political leaders. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Posie Parker’s brief but controversial visit to New Zealand got our politicians talking.  Whether defending free speech and ‘white cis men’ or standing up for one of the marginalised groups in this country, politicians from all sides of the spectrum weighed in on her visit. But as our politicians take sides, are they at risk of bringing overseas ‘culture wars’ to Aotearoa – and are they willing to deepen divisions in an already fractured country, in exchange for a few votes at the election? Today, Dr Lara Greaves, associate professor of politics at Victoria University of Wellington, is with Damien to discuss battles our politicians are choosing to fight. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of March left New Zealanders shivering as temperatures dropped sharply across the country. This sent a warning sign that winter 2023 may not be as mild as those we’ve seen in recent years. So what factors are influencing our weather at the moment? How cold could this winter be? And are there any affordable ways to keep your house warm when the mercury drops? Today, NIWA meteorologist Chris Brandolino shares his insight on the frosty mid-year we seem to be heading for with Damien. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many New Zealanders are struggling right now with the cost of living, but some help is on the way.  From April 1st, increases to the pension, benefit, student allowance and childcare subsidies will benefit 1.4 million Kiwis, while the minimum wage increases by $1.50 an hour.  The increases are touted as helping the New Zealanders suffering the most right now as we head into a freezing winter – but what impact will these measures actually have on those who need it the most? Today on The Front Page, Sense Partners economist Shamubeel Eaqub joins us to discuss the impact of the Government’s cost-of-living measures.   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: Damien VenutoProducers: Paddy Fox and Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MediaWorks-owned radio station Today FM is no more. After just a year on the airwaves, the station has today been shuttered.   It follows a dramatic on-air outburst from some of the station’s biggest talent, with broadcaster Duncan Garner telling audiences this was a betrayal -  which ultimately saw regular programming replaced by music.  So what’s behind this public collapse of the station? Where does this leave the staff, who had been working hard on the programme? And how worried should other media companies be about the state of the economy?    Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald editor at large and media columnist Shayne Currie helps us understand the brutal unravelling of a radio station.  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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The high cost of dental care leaves many Kiwis with decaying teeth or massive loans to pay back. The poorest members of our society are invariably the worst affected. Now a new petition, backed by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, is calling for dental care to be free for all. But how much would this cost the country? And is there any hope of politicians getting on board to support the cause? Today, Sarah Dalton, executive director at the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, explains to Damien why she’s calling for change to our healthcare 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communities around the country are playing host to a series of anti-co-governance meetings.   This roadshow is being organised by a man named Julian Batchelor, who has a history of animosity with the Māori community.  Counter-protests have been arranged at some meetings, with some critics calling the narratives being shared racist.   So where does the truth lie? And what has motivated a Northland evangelist to take such a strong stand on this issue?  Today, NZ Herald investigative reporter David Fisher shares with Damien what he’s learned about one man’s crusade against co-governance. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Nanaia Mahuta became the first New Zealand foreign minister to visit China since 2018.  Her visit comes amid growing geopolitical tensions around the South China Sea and Taiwan that will see nuclear-powered submarines based in Australia within the next few years.   Closer to home, security and surveillance concerns have prompted reviews into Chinese police stations and a TikTok ban on MP’s phones.  Today, to share an insight into what Mahuta’s visit will mean for Aotearoa, and what our current relationship with China is like, Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen talks to Damien on The Front Page. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Shaun D WilsonExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.