The Front Page

While 2024 may not have brought the shocks of cyclones, Prime Ministerial resignations or election campaigns, there’s a lot to digest from the last year.  

The Government delivered tax relief, gang crackdowns and a Fast Track bill, while dealing with controversy over Māori relations, smoking laws and apartment entitlements.

Te Pāti Māori led the fight back against the Treaty Principles Bill, while Labour rebuilt from its election loss, and the Greens contended with rogue MPs and personal tragedy.

Inflation started to fall, but a tough economy saw thousands lose their jobs, including the end of iconic news brands.

Māoridom farewelled a King and welcomed a new Queen, while the British Monarchy was dealt a double cancer blow.

Globally, conflict continued across Ukraine and Gaza, while the ‘year of elections’ delivered a new PM for the UK, and an old President for the US.

And fans around the world found time to hold space for Brat Summer, Wicked, the Menendez Brothers and the Eras tour.

Today on The Front Page, for our final episode of 2024, we’re discussing all the highs and lows of the year with Coast host Lorna Riley, and NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

A terrorism charge has been laid against a New Zealander who allegedly travelled overseas to join Islamic State a decade ago. 

Mark John Taylor, also known as Mohammed Daniel, was charged under the Terrorism Suppression Act this morning. 

 Charging documents filed in the Wellington District Court state he’s being accused of participating in a group in Syria, namely the Islamic State and the Levant (ISIL) between 29 November 2014 and 24 December 2018. 

It said he’s believed to have joined the groups “for the purpose of enhancing the ability of ISIL to carry out or participate in one or more terrorist acts intended to cause the death or injury to one or more persons, in one or more countries.  

It said it was for the purpose of advancing an ideological, political or religious cause with the intention of inducing terror in a civilian population, knowing or being reckless whether ISIL is a designated terrorist identify.” 

He faces a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. 

For some more insight into this case, we’re joined now on The Front Page by Massey University Emeritus Professor Paul Spoonley.  

Christopher Luxon believes his so-called ‘coalition of chaos’ has defied the critics.

The Prime Minister is spending the remainder of 2024 lauding his government’s achievements – inflation is under 3%, a 30% increase of cops on the beat, 26 new cancer treatments, tax relief just to name a few.

But he’s ending the year facing criticism over his handling of the Treaty Principles Bill, and for his corporate way of talking – and poll results show a deadlock between the left and right coalitions.

So, with a promise to get the country ‘back on track’ and a focus on rebuilding the economy – can Luxon turn around the public criticism?

Today on The Front Page, the Prime Minister, joins us to discuss the year that’s been, his hopes for 2025 – and if the new year could see the government up the ante when it comes to welcoming foreign investment.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

Communities around the country are waiting with bated breath for news about major infrastructure projects – ones that are set to cost a lot of money.

The government’s expected to announce the future of Interislander’s Cook Strait ferries this week – after the $3 billion mega ferry contract was canned last year due to ‘significant cost blowouts’.

Meanwhile, a report has revealed a ‘lack of confidence’ in a French contractor’s forecasts for the $5.5 billion City Rail Link in Auckland – the company has execs flying out this month to address concerns.

There’s apparently a 50% likelihood the November 2025 completion date will be met.

Later on The Front Page, Transporting New Zealand’s Policy and Advocacy Lead Billy Clemens is with us to discuss why the industry is on tenterhooks over the upcoming decision around the Cook Strait ferries.

But first, Public Transport Users Association chairperson Niall Robertson is with us to discuss the City Rail Link.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

After decades years of tyrannical rule, and 13 years of civil war, the Assad regime in Syria has fallen.

After rebels rapidly closed in on the capital of Damascus, President Bashar al-Assad and his family fled the country and reportedly are now in Moscow.

It has cleared the way for rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to take control of the country.

Global powers have welcomed the end of the dictatorship, but concerns are now turning towards keeping Syria a united nation.

Today on The Front Page, University of Otago’s Robert Patman joins us to discuss the significance of this change, and what’s next for the embattled nation.

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
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills