The Front Page

It seems the ongoing uncertainty of whether pumps will dry out has got people thinking greener.
As at April 12, there were 5,137 EVs registered this year – up 116% from the same time last year. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEVs, are at an all-time high up 75% and Hybrids up 5%.
These kinds of numbers haven’t been seen since the Clean Car Discount/post-lockdown boom seen in 2023.
Sellers and auction sites are reporting hugely increased interest in zero-emissions cars; with good reason, because a typical EV might cost you as little as $10-15 to "fill" at home overnight.
But, before you Covid-style panic buy an electric vehicle, it might pay to do some homework first. Today on The Front Page, motoring expert Clive Matthew-Wilson.
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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.

The Iranian military has threatened shipping in the Gulf, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Oman if the US naval blockade continues.
The threats made by general Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi were apparently aired on Iranian state television.
Meanwhile, talks could resume as early as this week with NBC news reporting Trump has said the war was “very close to over” while Tehran has said messages were still being exchanged via Pakistan.
Trump has also claimed that China is “very happy” about the situation – that was after Beijing labelled the US blockade “dangerous.”
He also said that President Xi Jinping had agreed not to send weapons to Iran.
Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman is with us.
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.

Illicit tobacco is quietly taking hold across New Zealand.
A Retail NZ report warns the country could soon face the same violent black-market spiral seen in Australia.
It has found more than a quarter of smokers are using illicit tobacco - most sourced from China and the Middle East.
Some cartons are being sold for as little as 15 dollars - with supply controlled by organised crime groups.
So what’s driving this trade, and how serious is the threat?
Today on The Front Page, CEO Carolyn Young is with us to talk about the report’s findings and what action we need to take now.
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.

The US blockade of Iranian ports has begun.
President Donald Trump is warning any ships that try to disrupt US efforts will be eliminated. Earlier, Iran's parliament speaker said the country would not "surrender under threats".
Weekend peace talks between the US and Iran ended without resolution, with Trump blaming Iran 's unwillingness to end its nuclear ambitions.
Vice President JD Vance has said that it’s up to Iran and the “ball is in their court” about furthering peace talks.
So, what exactly is a blockade? Is it legal? And, what could it mean for the wider conflict?
Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Al Gillespie is with us to unpack the implications and explore what this move might really achieve.
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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.

It’s 208 days until Kiwis hit the polls and vote for the next Government.
And despite campaigning not officially starting, the Prime Minister’s performance has been called into question, time and time again.
Accusations range from Luxon leaning too much into corporate speak and acting like a CEO to dodging questions, and even dodging entire press conferences during a global fuel crisis to open a stadium.
With flubbed media interviews going viral, Christopher Luxon’s behaviour is being put under a microscope. So much so that there are whisperings of a coup.
Can one man’s public image impact an entire party? And who’s been sent in to help National months ahead of election day?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Editor-at-Large, and Media Insider, Shayne Currie is with us to break down Luxon’s trials and tribulations, and how he might turn them around.
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.