The Front Page

It’s no surprise the upcoming election is a hot topic at Waitangi. But, the axing of the Treaty Principles Bill has eased tensions this year.
Although, that hasn’t stopped Chris Hipkins taking aim at the government, calling it ‘anti-treaty’ so ‘therefore anti-Māori'.
It’s all while a decision on Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's future with Te Pati Maori plays out in a Wellington court this week.
So, what is the atmosphere of Waitangi? Who’s there? And who’s not?
Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins us from Waitangi to break down what the event means.
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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.
Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New jobs data out today spells worry for New Zealand’s economy.
The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the December 2025 quarter – the highest since September 2015.
Most banks had expected unemployment to hold steady at 5.3%, ASB was a bit more bullish picking 5.2%.
It means 165,000 people were unemployed last quarter – a quarterly increase of 5,000 people...
But, what does it all mean? What sectors are struggling? And can the government keep calling it all the “mess they inherited”?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, is with us to dive into the data.
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.

It’s about to become cheaper, and easier, to get your driver’s license in New Zealand.
Changes include scrapping the second practical test, a longer 12-month learner period for under 25s, new restricted periods, and an expanded zero-alcohol rule for all learner and restricted drivers – regardless of age.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has said the aim is to make licensing more efficient and affordable.
The new system will take effect from the end of January next year.
But, will the first major change to the system in 15 years make our roads safer?
Today on The Front Page, AA road safety manager Dylan Thomsen is with us to dive into the details of this new 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 Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's files have exploded back into the headlines with millions of newly released documents exposing elite networks and power dynamics.
More than three million pages of material have been released – including documents, images and video.
So, what does this mean for trust in traditional power structures? And is it only a matter of time before a New Zealand politician is caught up in the saga?
Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman is with us to unpack the international ramifications.
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.

NZ Post is removing services from 142 partner stores this year.
It follows a long line of postal groups around the world scaling back as we enter a new era dominated by tech.
Czech Post closed 300 post office branches, the Greek postal service shut more than 200 last year, UK networks have gone through rolling waves of reductions, and Denmark has ended traditional letter delivery entirely – an end to a 400-year-old service.
But, how will the switch impact small-town communities? And the elderly?
Today on The Front Page, Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen is with us to take us through what this could mean for those who need these services the most.
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.