The Front Page

The Finance Minister is adamant that New Zealand’s economic recovery has been delayed, but not derailed, by the war in Iran.
Nicola Willis has shone a light on the country’s economic outlook in the lead up to next month’s budget.
At the same time, Stats NZ data on the country’s productivity performance for the year to March 2025 shows our productivity continued to fall during what was a recessionary period for New Zealand.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to take us through what this all means for our country’s economy, and for you.
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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.

Sales volumes have continued to decline across New Zealand’s housing market.
It marks a third consecutive monthly fall and extends the subdued start to 2026 – even as property values remain broadly stable.
But beneath the surface, the picture is uneven.
Auckland remains soft, first home buyers are propping up demand, and the rental market is showing signs of strain.
At the same time, global uncertainty and inflation risks are starting to cloud the outlook.
Today on The Front Page, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson is with us to unpack what’s really happening in the housing market, and what could come 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.

It’s safe to say our last episode on EVs amid the current fuel crisis sparked some lively debate.
Our last guest’s take on unreliable EVs and the possibility of brand collapses drew strong pushback.
So, today, we're flipping the script with a fresh take to tackle your top concerns head-on. EV registrations are still surging alongside hybrids and PHEVs.
As of April 19, there were 5346 EVs registered this year, compared to 2493 at the same time last year. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEVs, are at an all-time high up 79% and Hybrids up 6.2%.
Today on The Front Page, AA chief mobility officer, Jonathan Sergel, is with us to break down the fact and fiction around EVs.
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 Prime Minister has initiated and survived a motion of confidence as National Party leader.
After about a three-hour caucus meeting, Christopher Luxon read a short statement out to media before leaving without taking questions.
This all comes after weeks of speculation about whether his performance during the Iran fuel crisis mixed with poor polling would be enough to get him kicked out of the Beehive.
So, does Luxon actually have the full support of his caucus? Will this all quieten leadership rumours? And what will it mean for the election?
NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor was in amongst the action all day today – he joins us now on The Front Page.
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 Government has quietly agreed to repeal several references to Treaty principles within laws.
The move – which wasn’t publicly announced – follows a coalition agreement to review Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation.
Ministers argue the changes will bring greater clarity and consistency.
Critics warn it could strain Māori-Crown relationships even further, and could trigger legal challenges.
So, what does it all mean? And, does it echo the deeply controversial Treaty Principles Bill in any way?
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor is with us to break it down.
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.