Why banning under-16s from social media is easier said than done

Governments around the globe are grappling with how to gain back control over social media giants.  Labour is the latest to campaign on it – promising to progress the social media ban and giving people more of a say on what they see online.  The party says it will get current legislation restrict…

Which party has the best plan to fix New Zealand’s health system?

Getting a GP appointment, paying for treatment and waiting for hospital care are major concerns heading into the election. So what are the parties promising to change? Chelsea Daniels hears from National, Labour, ACT, the Greens, NZ First and the Opportunity Party about their health priorities, an…

Do you have to leave New Zealand to get ahead?

It’ll come as no surprise that new data’s revealed more Kiwis are struggling with cost of living.  The latest New Zealand Consumer Lifestyles survey from the University of Otago shows just over half of respondents went without something to buy essentials.  More alarming though, 48% believe they n…

The high cost of building nothing

New Zealand keeps announcing infrastructure projects, putting them on hold and paying more when they finally move ahead. A new industry survey shows overwhelming support for cross-party agreement, with 44 percent of responding organisations cutting staff in the past year. Infrastructure New Zeala…

Can New Zealand cut its way to growth?

Both National and Labour are banking on economic growth to help repair the Government’s finances. But could their spending plans undermine the recovery they’re counting on? With households reluctant to spend, property values under pressure and an ageing population putting more demand on public se…

Can either party afford its election promises?

National’s fiscal plan promises no new taxes and leaves the door open to future tax cuts — but only once the books are back in surplus and economic conditions allow. So how much money is actually available, how does Labour’s plan compare, and what could coalition negotiations do to either party’s …

How the parties plan to tackle crime

Tougher sentences, more police or greater investment in prevention — how would New Zealand’s political parties make the country safer? In this election policy special, Chelsea Daniels speaks to representatives from National, Labour, ACT, the Greens, NZ First and the Opportunity Party, and outlines…

Solar could save Kiwis thousands — so what’s stopping us?

Could solar panels and electric vehicles help New Zealand households save thousands on energy? Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey joins The Front Page to explain the potential savings from electrification, the upfront costs stopping people from making the switch, and how cheaper finance could help. P…

Why rising diesel prices could cost you at the checkout

When the price of moving goods around New Zealand rises, who picks up the bill?  Increasing fuel prices are putting pressure on the trucking industry, with fuel now accounting for up to 30% of operating costs.  And that cost can travel far beyond the petrol pump, into the price of groceries and o…

Is New Zealand on the brink of a cocaine problem?

Cocaine use appears to be surging in New Zealand.  The latest NZ Drug Trends Survey reveals the proportion of people reporting cocaine use has almost tripled since 2017, while the price of the drug has fallen by nearly a third.  Researchers say we could be in the "honeymoon phase", where cocaine …