Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on. 

This week on The Front Bench, Heather asks the panel about the potential fallout for Te Pāti Māori and the Greens for visiting the Mongrel Mob. 

They give their takes on National's Right to Silence policy and Labour's social media policy. 

Heather also asks about there should be concerns about the Opportunity Party candidates lack of political experience. 

Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.  

Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio. 

LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW

Part 1 Below

Part 2 Below

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on.&nbsp;
This week on The Front Bench, Heather asks the panel about the potential fallout for Te Pāti Māori and the Greens for visiting the Mongrel Mob.&nbsp;
They give their takes on National's Right to Silence policy and Labour's social media policy.&nbsp;
Heather also asks about there should be concerns about the Opportunity Party candidates lack&nbsp;of political experience.&nbsp;
Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day. &nbsp;
Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW
Part 1 Below

Part 2 Below

The Front Bench: The political fallout of visiting the Mongrel Mob

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/fec36fd8-3217-45a2-98f5-b4e80046fcba/transcript

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on. 

This week on The Front Bench, Heather asks the panel whether they think the campaign so far has been dull and if anyone has a vision for New Zealand. 

Our experts give their take on the fiscal plan debate and whether it shifts the needle for any party. 

Plus they debate whether National is making enough of the difference between its and Labour's education policies. 

LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW

Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.  

Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio. 

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on.&nbsp;
This week on The Front Bench, Heather asks the panel whether they think the campaign so far has been dull and if anyone has a vision for New Zealand.&nbsp;
Our experts give their take on the fiscal plan debate and whether it shifts the needle for any party.&nbsp;
Plus they debate whether National is making enough of the difference between its and Labour's education policies.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW

Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day. &nbsp;
Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.&nbsp;

The Front Bench: The lack of vision from our political parties

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/53585df6-43ae-48fa-9b93-b4e1004a3d54/transcript

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on. 

In the first edition of The Front Bench for Election 2026, the panel gives their take on which party is being the most predictable so far this election campaign. 

Heather asks whether Barbara Edmonds is the new star of the Labour Party and where Winston Peters has been so far during the campaign. 

Plus does David Seymour have an issue with the Herald's Poll of Polls? 

Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.  

Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio. 

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on.&nbsp;
In the first edition of The Front Bench for Election 2026, the panel gives their take on which party is being the most predictable so far this election campaign.&nbsp;
Heather asks whether Barbara Edmonds is the new star of the Labour Party and where Winston Peters has been so far during the campaign.&nbsp;
Plus does David Seymour have an issue with the Herald's Poll of Polls?&nbsp;
Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day. &nbsp;
Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-election-2026-the-front-b-71012065?follow=true" target="_blank" data-anchor="?follow=true">follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.</a>&nbsp;

The Front Bench: Predictable policy and the rising star of Barbara Edmonds

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4ef8d44a-8f2a-4ded-a10e-b4da004d9ea0/transcript

Election 2026 is set to be one of the most important in recent memory.  

To cut through the spin – join Newstalk ZB’s The Front Bench to get to the heart of the issues that matter most. 

Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2026. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated political discussion.  

Josie Pagani brings decades of political experience and insight, having worked across government, policy and communications. A respected political commentator and current Child Fund CEO, she offers a deep understanding of the forces shaping New Zealand politics and the decisions confronting voters.

Director of Sherson Willis PR, Trish Sherson draws on a career spanning politics, communications and business leadership. A former press secretary, she brings firsthand experience of how political decisions are developed, communicated and scrutinised, while her extensive governance and corporate affairs background provides valuable perspective on the real-world impact of policy.

And of course, you’ll get the best analysis from Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis Allan and Barry Soper.  

Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.  

Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio. 

Election 2026 is set to be one of the most important in recent memory. &nbsp;
To cut through the spin – join Newstalk ZB’s The Front Bench to get to the heart of the issues that matter most.&nbsp;
Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2026. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated political discussion. &nbsp;
Josie Pagani brings decades of political experience and insight, having worked across government, policy and communications. A respected political commentator and current Child Fund CEO, she offers a deep understanding of the forces shaping New Zealand politics and the decisions confronting voters.
Director of Sherson Willis PR, Trish Sherson draws on a career spanning politics, communications and business leadership. A former press secretary, she brings firsthand experience of how political decisions are developed, communicated and scrutinised, while her extensive governance and corporate affairs background provides valuable perspective on the real-world impact of policy.
And of course, you’ll get the best analysis from Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis Allan and Barry Soper. &nbsp;
Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day. &nbsp;
Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.&nbsp;

Election 2026: The Front Bench

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9919e3f9-c6ea-4164-915d-b4d90171114d/transcript

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.

This week the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper.

Our expert panel discusses National’s warning that if it can’t get a suitable deal with New Zealand First and Winston Peters – it may lead to a second election.

They also chat about Act’s sizeable drop in the polls – and what’s leading driving their numbers down.

The experts dissect the electorates to watch - and chat both Sir John Key and Helen Clark getting involved in the campaign.

Plus, each will reveal their favourite policy of the campaign – and give their election night prediction.

LISTEN ABOVE

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
This week the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper.
Our expert panel discusses National’s warning that if it can’t get a suitable deal with New Zealand First and Winston Peters – it may lead to a second election.
They also chat about Act’s sizeable drop in the polls – and what’s leading driving their numbers down.
The experts dissect the electorates to watch - and chat both Sir John Key and Helen Clark getting involved in the campaign.
Plus, each will reveal their favourite policy of the campaign – and give their election night prediction.
LISTEN ABOVE

The Front Bench: Could we be facing a second election?

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.

This week, the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper.

Our expert panel discusses the call that this election campaign is being marred by violence and attacks across the political spectrum.

They also chat about Chris Hipkins’ Covid diagnosis and the implications that will have on the final fortnight of campaigning.

The experts dissect that interview with Winston Peters – and if that means National should re-think its stance to work with NZ First.

Heather asks the panel whether the rise in early voting will continue – and what that might mean for the result on October 14th.

Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including the Greens’ universal student allowance and Labour’s supermarket pledge.

LISTEN ABOVE

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
This week, the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper.
Our expert panel discusses the call that this election campaign is being marred by violence and attacks across the political spectrum.
They also chat about Chris Hipkins’ Covid diagnosis and the implications that will have on the final fortnight of campaigning.
The experts dissect that interview with Winston Peters – and if that means National should re-think its stance to work with NZ First.
Heather asks the panel whether the rise in early voting will continue – and what that might mean for the result on October 14th.
Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including the Greens’ universal student allowance and Labour’s supermarket pledge.
LISTEN ABOVE

The Front Bench: What does Chris Hipkins' Covid diagnosis mean for the campaign?

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.

This week, the Executive Director of the Taxpayer’s Union Jordan Williams steps in for Barry Soper.

Our expert panel discusses Christopher Luxon confirming he’ll form a Government with Winston Peters if he has to. Does it give New Zealand First more credibility? Could National lose support because of this?  

They also dissect Chris Hipkins getting into attack mode but ask, is it simply too late to make a difference in the polls?

Heather asks the panel what they made of the debates last week and whether they’ll change any minds.

Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including National’s speed limits promise and Labour’s climate manifesto.  

LISTEN ABOVE

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
This week, the Executive Director of the Taxpayer’s Union Jordan Williams steps in for Barry Soper.
Our expert panel discusses Christopher Luxon confirming he’ll form a Government with Winston Peters if he has to. Does it give New Zealand First more credibility? Could National lose support because of this?  
They also dissect Chris Hipkins getting into attack mode but ask, is it simply too late to make a difference in the polls?
Heather asks the panel what they made of the debates last week and whether they’ll change any minds.
Plus, they take a deep dive into the latest policy announcements – including National’s speed limits promise and Labour’s climate manifesto.  
LISTEN ABOVE

The Front Bench: Luxon confirmed he'll work with Peters- could National lose support?

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.

This week, NZME Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie steps in for Barry Soper.

The panel discuss ACT’s campaign launch over the weekend and whether its focus on co-governance is a vote winner or loser.

They also chat about the hecklers and whether conspiracy theorists will continue to be a theme for the rest of the campaign.

Heather poses the question whether this is the most boring campaign since 2014 and whether the first Leaders debate will be worth a watch.

Plus, they take a closer look at Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s election manifesto and the Wellington Central race.

LISTEN ABOVE

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
This week, NZME Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie steps in for Barry Soper.
The panel discuss ACT’s campaign launch over the weekend and whether its focus on co-governance is a vote winner or loser.
They also chat about the hecklers and whether conspiracy theorists will continue to be a theme for the rest of the campaign.
Heather poses the question whether this is the most boring campaign since 2014 and whether the first Leaders debate will be worth a watch.
Plus, they take a closer look at Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s election manifesto and the Wellington Central race.
LISTEN ABOVE

The Front Bench: Will hecklers be a problem for the rest of the campaign?

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.

The Act Party has thrown a potential cat amongst the pigeons by threatening it may only enter a confidence deal with National.

The panel discuss whether Chris Luxon is losing credibility.

Labour’s polling continues to plummet – is there anything the party can do to turn its fortunes around?

And the panel discuss the potential partners for both National and Labour post polling days.

LISTEN ABOVE

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
The Act Party has thrown a potential cat amongst the pigeons by threatening it may only enter a confidence deal with National.
The panel discuss whether Chris Luxon is losing credibility.
Labour’s polling continues to plummet – is there anything the party can do to turn its fortunes around?
And the panel discuss the potential partners for both National and Labour post polling days.
LISTEN ABOVE

Watch: The Front Bench- ACT playing hardball with National

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.

The attack ads are already being published, with the CTU going after Chris Luxon on the front page of the Herald and on billboards across the country. Could this be the most negative campaign in recent memory? Is going negative an effective strategy?

All eyes this weekend were on Labour and National’s campaign launches – who had the better launch? And was it better for Chris Luxon to use his family, or for Chris Hipkins to involve former Prime Minister Helen Clark?

Labour has pledged to extend free dental care to those 29 and under by 2026. Is that good policy? Is it better than the pledge to slash GST off fruit and veg?

The campaign is already getting distracted by protests – should we get used to this over the coming weeks?

And the panel discuss what they think the main themes for Election 2023 will be.

LISTEN ABOVE

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. 
The attack ads are already being published, with the CTU going after Chris Luxon on the front page of the Herald and on billboards across the country. Could this be the most negative campaign in recent memory? Is going negative an effective strategy?
All eyes this weekend were on Labour and National’s campaign launches – who had the better launch? And was it better for Chris Luxon to use his family, or for Chris Hipkins to involve former Prime Minister Helen Clark?
Labour has pledged to extend free dental care to those 29 and under by 2026. Is that good policy? Is it better than the pledge to slash GST off fruit and veg?
The campaign is already getting distracted by protests – should we get used to this over the coming weeks?
And the panel discuss what they think the main themes for Election 2023 will be.
LISTEN ABOVE

The Front Bench: Attack ads already being published- could this be the most negative campaign yet?

Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2026. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated election podcast...

Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2026. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated election podcast...

As Election 2026 approaches, Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson unpack the policies, personalities and power plays defining the race.

Expect informed analysis, spirited debate and differing viewpoints as they explore the issues driving the national conversation.

As Election 2026 approaches, Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson unpack the policies, personalities and power plays defining the race.
Expect informed analysis, spirited debate and differing viewpoints as they explore the issues driving the national conversation.

The Front Bench

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