The Front Page

Tourism is booming again, but who should pay for the pressure that comes with it?
A powerful alliance of mayors and tourism leaders is pushing for a nationwide accommodation levy, or bed tax.
They argue tourists should help fund the roads, rubbish collection, public facilities and major events that keep our biggest destinations running.
Supporters say it’s a common-sense user-pays model, one that would take pressure off local ratepayers.
But critics say it’s just another tax, one that could make New Zealand more expensive and harder to compete as a travel destination.
So why is this idea back on the table now? Why has it failed to get across the line before? And if a levy does happen, who pays, who collects it, and where should the money go?
Today on The Front Page, Regional Tourism New Zealand chair Andrew Wilson is with us to discuss the growing push for an accommodation levy.
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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.

One major theme has emerged for this year’s election... money.
Two parties at the weekend launched ideas to get the country’s finances in order and future-proof our economy for generations to come.
National held its annual party conference in high spirits, despite a polling support slide since the last election. They announced policy that would make KiwiSaver compulsory, raise minimum contributions, and require employers pay for staff over 65.
On the other hand, the Greens are focusing on taxing the rich, imposing a levy on the four big banks, and taxing offshore profits earned by tech giants.
NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor is with us to break it all down.

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The Super Rugby Pacific final is here, and the excitement is already at fever pitch.
Tickets for the decider on Saturday sold out in just 15 minutes, as the Hurricanes and Chiefs prepare to meet in Wellington in what shapes as one of the biggest rugby nights of the year.
So what makes this matchup so compelling? Which team has the edge, which players could define the contest, and what does the huge demand for tickets say about the state of rugby in New Zealand right now?
Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Rugby Direct podcast co-hosts the Herald’s Liam Napier and NewstalkZB’s Elliott Smith to break down the final, the key storylines, and why this game has captured so much attention.
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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.

Shane Jones’ controversial fisheries reform has been abandoned – for now.
The Oceans and Fisheries Minister told a select committee today that his “much-loved bill” would not be progressed in this term of government.
The Fisheries Amendment Bill had caused division within the coalition... changes to minimum legal-size limits for commercial fishing operators had to be walked back.
Other changes included plans to block the public from obtaining footage of fish dumping under the OIA.
Meanwhile, Jones has revealed that two orca were found dead as bycatch – the first recorded deaths of orcas in set nets in New Zealand.
Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah 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.

For years, New Zealand has spent big on infrastructure without always getting the results to match.
Now, the Government's vowing to change that.
It’s supporting all 16 recommendations in the Infrastructure Commission's National Plan – a blueprint for how the country plans, funds, and delivers the things we all rely on.
The 30-year plan includes a review of the Land Transport Fund and requires Crown entities to publish long-term investment plans.
Labour and the Greens are also backing it -- but the question remains whether this is the beginning of real reform, or just another ambitious plan on paper.
Today on The Front Page, Infrastructure NZ Chief Executive Nick Leggett joins us to discuss what it all means.
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.