The Front Page

Yesterday, Stats NZ released New Zealand’s GDP performance for the last quarter of 2025, and the government tells us things are looking good with gross domestic product rising 0.2 percent.
But the Reserve Bank had forecast growth of 0.5% - so while the latest results show we’re heading in the right direction, are we travelling fast enough?
Today on the Front Page, NZ Herald Business Editor at Large, Liam Dann, joins us to explain what the latest results mean and how the conflict in the Middle East might impact the next chapter of our economic story.
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: Jane Yee
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study is shedding light on the changing landscape of New Zealand’s ‘party drug’ scene.
The annual New Zealand Drug Trends Survey, completed by more than 8000 people nationwide, shows that ketamine is rapidly growing in popularity.
Price data puts it among the more affordable options at around $200 a gram. Overseas, the UK has dubbed young people ‘Generation K’, while ketamine-related deaths rose 20-fold since 2014.
Despite years of warnings from health experts about the risks, ketamine’s now gaining popularity here – so what do we do now?
Today on The Front Page, Professor Chris Wilkins is with us to unpack what’s behind this trend and what it means for New Zealand.
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.

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has acknowledged he considered his future in politics, in the wake of his ex-wife's allegations.
She made a series of claims in a now deleted private social media post on Sunday.
None of which alleges unlawful conduct.
Being a politician is one of the most public facing roles in our society, but where should the line be drawn between public and private?
Today on The Front Page, political commentator Grant Duncan 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.

Inflation could hit 3.7% under Treasury’s ‘worst-case’ inflation scenario.
It’s while petrol prices have risen about 45 to 50 cents a litre, adding about $23 to the price of filling an average car.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has outlined the government's priorities - First a focus on supply chains, then potential and anticipated freight disruptions, and lastly our economic response.
Ministers are meeting daily, written situation updates twice-daily, they’re working closely with importers – we're being told not to panic.
But, after criticising the last government to no end about its economic decisions during the pandemic - what tools does this government have to ease cost-of living pressures?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to talk through what we could do next.
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.

A major barrier to escaping family violence, is the heartache of leaving your pet behind to get out.
Every day, pets are used as tool to control and harm victims experiencing family violence.
Pet Refuge provides a safe, temporary haven for pets – and demand for their shelter is at an all-time high.
They’ve reported a 19% increase year on year for help.
So, what does this say about New Zealand’s unacceptably high and persistent rate of family violence?
Today on The Front Page, Dame Julie Chapman is with us to take us through the often forgotten lives of the pets caught in the crossfire.
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.