The deadly Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington has shocked the country – not simply for the loss of life involved, but due to the building’s safety standards. 

While the hostel did not have sprinklers, it was not breaking any laws and was not required to retrofit them. 

It’s just one aspect of Aotearoa’s building code that has been put into the spotlight by this fire and has raised concerns around how many other buildings could be at risk. 

Today on The Front Page, John Gray from the Home Owners and Buyers Association of New Zealand joins us to talk about his concerns for the safety of our older buildings.

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.

Hosts: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills 

The deadly Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington has shocked the country – not simply for the loss of life involved, but due to the building’s safety standards. 
While the hostel did not have sprinklers, it was not breaking any laws and was not required to retrofit them. 
It’s just one aspect of Aotearoa’s building code that has been put into the spotlight by this fire and has raised concerns around how many other buildings could be at risk. 
Today on The Front Page, John Gray from the Home Owners and Buyers Association of New Zealand joins us to talk about his concerns for the safety of our older buildings.
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.
Hosts: Damien Venuto Producer: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

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.

Loafers Lodge fire puts safety of old buildings in the spotlight

As children across New Zealand head back to school, many will be arriving without the basics.

58 schools are starting 2026 on the waitlist for KidsCan.

The charity provides the essentials for Kiwi kids living in poverty.

A survey of waitlisted schools shows more than half provide breakfast for their students, often diverting funds from their operational budget.

So why, in 2026, are kids going to school hungry?

Today on The Front Page, KidsCan CEO Dame Julie Chapman is with us to offer a glimpse into the lives of far too many children in this country who are going without.

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

As children across New Zealand head back to school, many will be arriving without the basics.
58 schools are starting 2026 on the waitlist for KidsCan.
The charity provides the essentials for Kiwi kids living in poverty.
A survey of waitlisted schools shows more than half provide breakfast for their students, often diverting funds from their operational budget.
So why, in 2026, are kids going to school hungry?
Today on The Front Page, KidsCan CEO Dame Julie Chapman is with us to offer a glimpse into the lives of far too many children in this country who are going without.
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 are kids are still going to school hungry in 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/537d5b76-7a3f-41f8-8688-b3e100366833/transcript

After 24 years, former National Party leader Judith Collins has called time on her career in politics for a new role as head of the law commission.

Collins is the longest-continuously serving female MP in New Zealand, winning her electorate seats in Clevedon and then Papakura at every general election she has contested since 2002.

The prime minister’s office has confirmed Collins will remain the MP for Papakura, retaining her portfolios until she moves to the law commission mid-year.

So, what does her departure mean for New Zealand politics, who is National lining up for her seat, and when the history books are written – what will Judith Collins’ be remembered for?

Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper is with us to unpack a career defined by survival, scandal, comebacks, and crushing presence in New Zealand politics.

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

After 24 years, former National Party leader Judith Collins has called time on her career in politics for a new role as head of the law commission.
Collins is the longest-continuously serving female MP in New Zealand, winning her electorate seats in Clevedon and then Papakura at every general election she has contested since 2002.
The prime minister&rsquo;s office has confirmed Collins will remain the MP for Papakura, retaining her portfolios until she moves to the law commission mid-year.
So, what does her departure mean for New Zealand politics, who is National lining up for her seat, and when the history books are written &ndash; what will Judith Collins&rsquo; be remembered for?
Today on&nbsp;The Front Page, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper is with us to unpack a career defined by survival, scandal, comebacks, and crushing presence in New Zealand politics.
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

From scandal to survival: The political life and legacy of Judith Collins

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c2d121a6-57f7-4e67-aa84-b3e0003c1ca2/transcript

The recovery operation at the Mt Maunganui landslide continues with police warning it could take days or even weeks.

Tauranga City Council has launched an investigation into what happened in the run-up to the deadly landslide.

Already questions are being asked about who knew what, and when. We'll talk to University of Canterbury senior lecturer in disaster risk and resilience, Dr Tom Robinson about the danger of landslides after severe weather events. 
Also, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah has been in Mount Maunganui for several days, and joins us on The Front Page.

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 recovery operation at the Mt Maunganui landslide continues with police warning it could take days or even weeks.
Tauranga City Council has launched an investigation into what happened in the run-up to the deadly landslide.
Already questions are being asked about who knew what, and when. We'll talk to University of Canterbury senior lecturer in disaster risk and resilience, Dr Tom Robinson about the danger of landslides after severe weather events. Also, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah has been in Mount Maunganui for several days, and joins us on The Front Page.
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

Mount Maunganui landslide: Current risks, future inquiries and the ongoing heartache

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7c55b212-aba5-4fa1-b9ff-b3df0026eb4c/transcript

Loafers Lodge fire puts safety of old buildings in the spotlight

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