From carless days to EV push: The fuel crunch options on the table

If you’re old enough, then you’ll remember there was a time when every Kiwi household had to pick a weekday where they wouldn’t drive. Carless Days were introduced in 1979 as an attempt to reduce petrol consumption amid a global oil shock thanks to the Iranian Revolution. The scheme was short liv…

Air NZ is cutting flights. When should we start to worry?

Air New Zealand is set to cut 1100 flights – affecting about 44,000 customers.  CEO Nikhil Ravishankar has cited “unprecedented” jet fuel prices as the cause – which he said could not be passed on to customers, who were already facing cost-of-living challenges.  A normal price for jet fuel is abo…

How vulnerable is New Zealand to a global oil shock?

A global oil giant is warning of a looming catastrophe unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon. The US and Israel war on Iran is wreaking havoc on global oil and gas markets, spiking prices and sending shockwaves across global economies. It’s being called by some commentators the “biggest oil di…

Covid inquiry: Report slams cost of long lockdowns, urges future changes

The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 has been released. Deciding that the first phase of the inquiry was inadequate, the coalition government expanded the terms of reference to focus on lockdowns and vaccine mandates. In particular, finding out whether the former gove…

Trade Me drops seller fees – now it has to win back users

Trade Me is bidding farewell to some of its marketplace fees. From March 10, sellers won’t have to pay a 7.9% success fee when they sell things like their couch, a dress, lamp, or TV. The platform’s said it wants to make it easier for Kiwis to declutter their homes, say goodbye to their second ha…

National plunges to lowest poll as governing party in decades

A new poll out today spells a storm brewing for National. The Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll has shown National drop nearly three-points to 28.4% -- the lowest poll for the party since it formed a Government in 2023. It’s while Labour is up 0.3 points to 34.4% - The Greens are up to 10.5%, NZ First …

How Rennie’s people-first style could reshape the All Blacks

Dave Rennie is the new coach of the All Blacks. The former Chiefs and Wallabies mentor will succeed Scott Razor Robertson, and take charge through until the end of the 2027 World Cup. But, does he have what it takes to bring about a much-needed reset for our national side? Today on The Front Pag…

Iran strikes: Is it time for New Zealand to take a stronger stance?

The US and Israel are escalating attacks on Iran - which has launched counterattacks on neighbouring Gulf states. All the while, the push and pull on European leaders has been in the spotlight – with Trump publicly chastising UK PM Sir Keir Starmer. That’s due to his refusal to offer up a British…

Iran and the Strait of Hormuz: What rising oil prices mean for New Zealand

Iran has cut off one of the world’s most strategically important choke points. About a fifth world’s total oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s revolutionary guards commander-in-chief has warned that “if anyone tries to pass” they will “set those ships ablaze”. The narrow …

How US-Israel assault on Iran could repeat 20 years of failed wars

The US and Israel have launched a massive assault on Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the strikes will increase over the coming days. Donald Trump has said that they “figured it will be four weeks or so” when asked about a potential timeline. Iran has retaliated, unleashing its own strikes…