It’s about to become cheaper, and easier, to get your driver’s license in New Zealand.

Changes include scrapping the second practical test, a longer 12-month learner period for under 25s, new restricted periods, and an expanded zero-alcohol rule for all learner and restricted drivers – regardless of age.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has said the aim is to make licensing more efficient and affordable.

The new system will take effect from the end of January next year.

But, will the first major change to the system in 15 years make our roads safer?

Today on The Front Page, AA road safety manager Dylan Thomsen is with us to dive into the details of this new system.

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

It&rsquo;s about to become cheaper, and easier, to get your driver&rsquo;s license in New Zealand.
Changes include scrapping the second practical test, a longer 12-month learner period for under 25s, new restricted periods, and an expanded zero-alcohol rule for all learner and restricted drivers &ndash; regardless of age.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has said the aim is to make licensing more efficient and affordable.
The new system will take effect from the end of January next year.
But, will the first major change to the system in 15 years make our roads safer?
Today on The Front Page, AA road safety manager Dylan Thomsen is with us to dive into the details of this new system.
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.

How new licence rules could reshape young Kiwis' driving culture

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9d634f39-6474-4b3f-b238-b3e6002581cc/transcript

It’s no surprise the upcoming election is a hot topic at Waitangi. But, the axing of the Treaty Principles Bill has eased tensions this year.

Although, that hasn’t stopped Chris Hipkins taking aim at the government, calling it ‘anti-treaty’ so ‘therefore anti-Māori'.

It’s all while a decision on Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's future with Te Pati Maori plays out in a Wellington court this week.

So, what is the atmosphere of Waitangi? Who’s there? And who’s not?

Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins us from Waitangi to break down what the event means.

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

It&rsquo;s no surprise the upcoming election is a hot topic at Waitangi. But, the axing of the Treaty Principles Bill has eased tensions this year.
Although, that hasn&rsquo;t stopped Chris Hipkins taking aim at the government, calling it &lsquo;anti-treaty&rsquo; so &lsquo;therefore anti-Māori'.
It&rsquo;s all while a decision on Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's future with Te Pati Maori plays out in a Wellington court this week.
So, what is the atmosphere of Waitangi? Who&rsquo;s there? And who&rsquo;s not?
Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins us from Waitangi to break down what the event means.
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

‘A different vibe’: How Waitangi has changed amid election heat

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ad8f71d1-1177-4960-9f98-b3e800372ae9/transcript

New jobs data out today spells worry for New Zealand’s economy. 

The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the December 2025 quarter – the highest since September 2015. 

Most banks had expected unemployment to hold steady at 5.3%, ASB was a bit more bullish picking 5.2%. 

It means 165,000 people were unemployed last quarter – a quarterly increase of 5,000 people...  

But, what does it all mean? What sectors are struggling? And can the government keep calling it all the “mess they inherited”?  

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, is with us to dive into the data.  

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

New jobs data out today spells&nbsp;worry&nbsp;for New Zealand&rsquo;s economy.&nbsp;
The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the December 2025 quarter &ndash; the highest since September 2015.&nbsp;
Most banks had expected unemployment to hold steady at 5.3%, ASB was a bit more bullish picking 5.2%.&nbsp;
It means 165,000 people were unemployed last quarter &ndash; a quarterly increase of 5,000 people...&nbsp;&nbsp;
But,&nbsp;what does it all mean? What sectors are&nbsp;struggling? And can the government keep calling it&nbsp;all&nbsp;the &ldquo;mess they inherited&rdquo;?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Today on The Front Page,&nbsp;NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, is with us to dive into the data.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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

Why our unemployment rate is still 'pretty lousy'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a18ef56f-db68-4d5f-b08c-b3e7003a6213/transcript

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's files have exploded back into the headlines with millions of newly released documents exposing elite networks and power dynamics.

More than three million pages of material have been released – including documents, images and video.

So, what does this mean for trust in traditional power structures? And is it only a matter of time before a New Zealand politician is caught up in the saga?

Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman is with us to unpack the international ramifications.

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

Sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's files have exploded back into the headlines with millions of newly released documents exposing elite networks and power dynamics.
More than three million pages of material have been released &ndash; including documents, images and video.
So, what does this mean for trust in traditional power structures? And is it only a matter of time before a New Zealand politician is caught up in the saga?
Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman is with us to unpack the international ramifications.
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

Epstein files likened to Watergate as global power links emerge

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/49628753-502a-4a19-9cb7-b3e500347ad8/transcript

How new licence rules could reshape young Kiwis' driving culture

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