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;

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...

Election 2026: The Front Bench

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

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