The Front Page

Both National and Labour are banking on economic growth to help repair the Government’s finances.
But could their spending plans undermine the recovery they’re counting on?
With households reluctant to spend, property values under pressure and an ageing population putting more demand on public services, journalist and economic commentator Bernard Hickey says the numbers deserve a harder look.
Today on The Front Page, he joins us to explain why he thinks both major parties are making the same economic gamble.
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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.
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer/Host: Jane Yee
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National’s fiscal plan promises no new taxes and leaves the door open to future tax cuts — but only once the books are back in surplus and economic conditions allow.
So how much money is actually available, how does Labour’s plan compare, and what could coalition negotiations do to either party’s numbers?
NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan joins Richard Martin to unpack the plans, the pressure on public services, and the difficult choices ahead on superannuation.
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.
Editor/Producer/Host: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tougher sentences, more police or greater investment in prevention — how would New Zealand’s political parties make the country safer?
In this election policy special, Chelsea Daniels speaks to representatives from National, Labour, ACT, the Greens, NZ First and the Opportunity Party, and outlines Te Pāti Māori’s proposals.
From gangs and youth offending to drug reform, burglary and the future of prisons, we examine where the parties agree and where their approaches diverge.
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 Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could solar panels and electric vehicles help New Zealand households save thousands on energy?
Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey joins The Front Page to explain the potential savings from electrification, the upfront costs stopping people from making the switch, and how cheaper finance could help.
Plus, would breaking up the big power companies lower bills, does New Zealand need an LNG terminal, and could we one day buy electricity directly from our neighbours?
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 Bradford
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the price of moving goods around New Zealand rises, who picks up the bill?
Increasing fuel prices are putting pressure on the trucking industry, with fuel now accounting for up to 30% of operating costs.
And that cost can travel far beyond the petrol pump, into the price of groceries and other everyday essentials.
So how much can freight companies absorb, and how much gets passed onto us?
Today on The Front Page, I talk to Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO of National Road Carriers about the squeeze on trucking and what his industry wants from the next government.
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 Bradford
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.