The idea of a celebrity running for office is nothing new.  

All over the world, ex TV stars, movie icons, and comedians try their hand at a new role: politician.  

This week, Election 2026 has been rocked by the announcement that ex-broadcaster Paul Henry will be entering the fray – running for the Act Party.  

There have been countless headlines, interviews, and analysis since the surprise move.  

But, is it that surprising? Why do we get so swept up in name recognition and does it ever really work out well?  

Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths is with us to explain how much star power really matters at the ballot box, whether high‑profile names actually change votes, and what history can tell us about how this latest twist might play out.

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

The idea of a celebrity running for&nbsp;office&nbsp;is nothing new.&nbsp;&nbsp;
All over the world, ex TV stars, movie icons, and comedians try their hand&nbsp;at&nbsp;a new role:&nbsp;politician.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This week, Election 2026 has been rocked by the announcement that ex-broadcaster Paul Henry will be entering the fray &ndash; running for the Act Party.&nbsp;&nbsp;
There have been countless headlines, interviews, and analysis&nbsp;since the surprise move.&nbsp;&nbsp;
But,&nbsp;is it that surprising? Why do we&nbsp;get so swept up&nbsp;in name&nbsp;recognition&nbsp;and&nbsp;does it ever really work out well?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths is with us to explain how much star power really matters at the ballot box, whether high‑profile names actually change votes, and what history can tell us about how this latest twist might play out.
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

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future.

Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. 

Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald&rsquo;s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what&rsquo;s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future.
Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture.&nbsp;
Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Every day, The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald. Hosted by Damien Venuto

The Front Page

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news analysis podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald&rsquo;s daily news analysis podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what&rsquo;s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Are voters looking for politicians or celebrity in 2026?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/aaed06aa-0050-4ede-b587-b48a0019f177/transcript