Election 2026: The Front Bench

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on.
In the first edition of The Front Bench for Election 2026, the panel gives their take on which party is being the most predictable so far this election campaign.
Heather asks whether Barbara Edmonds is the new star of the Labour Party and where Winston Peters has been so far during the campaign.
Plus does David Seymour have an issue with the Herald's Poll of Polls?
Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.
Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2026 is set to be one of the most important in recent memory.
To cut through the spin – join Newstalk ZB’s The Front Bench to get to the heart of the issues that matter most.
Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2026. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated political discussion.
Josie Pagani brings decades of political experience and insight, having worked across government, policy and communications. A respected political commentator and current Child Fund CEO, she offers a deep understanding of the forces shaping New Zealand politics and the decisions confronting voters.
Director of Sherson Willis PR, Trish Sherson draws on a career spanning politics, communications and business leadership. A former press secretary, she brings firsthand experience of how political decisions are developed, communicated and scrutinised, while her extensive governance and corporate affairs background provides valuable perspective on the real-world impact of policy.
And of course, you’ll get the best analysis from Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis Allan and Barry Soper.
Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.
Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
This week the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper.
Our expert panel discusses National’s warning that if it can’t get a suitable deal with New Zealand First and Winston Peters – it may lead to a second election.
They also chat about Act’s sizeable drop in the polls – and what’s leading driving their numbers down.
The experts dissect the electorates to watch - and chat both Sir John Key and Helen Clark getting involved in the campaign.
Plus, each will reveal their favourite policy of the campaign – and give their election night prediction.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
This week, the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper.
Our expert panel discusses the call that this election campaign is being marred by violence and attacks across the political spectrum.
They also chat about Chris Hipkins’ Covid diagnosis and the implications that will have on the final fortnight of campaigning.
The experts dissect that interview with Winston Peters – and if that means National should re-think its stance to work with NZ First.
Heather asks the panel whether the rise in early voting will continue – and what that might mean for the result on October 14th.
Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including the Greens’ universal student allowance and Labour’s supermarket pledge.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
This week, the Executive Director of the Taxpayer’s Union Jordan Williams steps in for Barry Soper.
Our expert panel discusses Christopher Luxon confirming he’ll form a Government with Winston Peters if he has to. Does it give New Zealand First more credibility? Could National lose support because of this?  
They also dissect Chris Hipkins getting into attack mode but ask, is it simply too late to make a difference in the polls?
Heather asks the panel what they made of the debates last week and whether they’ll change any minds.
Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including National’s speed limits promise and Labour’s climate manifesto.  
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.