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 disruption in history.”
Saudi Arabia’s state oil company, Aramco, has said there would be “drastic” consequences for the world economy if the disruption continued.

It’s believed oil could hit $150 US-dollars per barrel by the end of the month.

But what does the wholesale price of oil mean for you at the pump? And will things get a lot worse, before they get better?

Today on The Front Page, journalist and publisher of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey is with us to talk about the crisis – and what New Zealand should do next.

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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

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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 government had “considered the impact these decisions would have on society, health, education, and our economy”.

The report makes 24 formal recommendations, including: framing the elimination strategy as temporary, limiting the use of urgency in lawmaking, keeping an eye on the research around social cohesion, and creating financial assistance scheme options ahead of the next crisis.

But, wasn’t there already an inquiry? Why did Act and New Zealand First both insist on another? And will this government make any moves on these recommendations?

Today on The Front Page, Health Minister Simeon Brown is with us to discuss the final report’s findings, and whether we’ve actually learned anything from it.

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 hand stuff, and get some extra cash in their pockets.

But, it the change ACTUALLY about that – or is TradeMe getting outshone by other online marketplaces?

Today on The Front Page, Massey University marketing expert Bodo Lang is with us to talk about our obsession with selling our old stuff.

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 are down to 9.7%, ACT up to 7.5%, and Te Pāti Māori up to 3.2 percent.

This all means that if an election was held today, the centre-Left bloc could form the next government, although by a pretty small margin.

The situation is being compared to National’s performance in the 2020 election, where the party suffered one of the worst election losses in its history.

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald political editor, Thomas Coughlan, is with us to break down what the numbers mean, and who could be on the chopping block.

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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

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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 Page, NZ Herald senior sports journalist and rugby correspondent, Liam Napier is with us to unpack the past, present and future of the ‘man with mana’, Dave Rennie.

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 base for the initial wave of strikes.

Britain is scrambling to send a warship to Cyprus after France announced a major deployment to the eastern Mediterranean.

So, with the involvement of EU countries, is it only a matter of time before the Pacific is called up to help?

Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations professor Robert Patman is with us to dissect what could happen next.

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 sea passage sits between Oman and Iran.

Experts have said a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could lead to a sustained rise in oil prices, fueling inflation, and having global economic effects.

Today on The Front Page, geopolitical analyst Dr Geoffrey Miller is with us to take us through why the blocking of just over three kilometres of water can have global ramifications.

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 on US military bases, Israel and other targets across the Middle East.

The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many of his senior commanders has left Tehran’s future leadership in question. 

But questions are also swirling about the legality of the strikes.

Today on The Front Page, Waikato University international law professor, Al Gillespie is with us to discuss how we got here, and where to next.

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate over asset sales has reared its head again, this time after a very grim result for our national carrier.

Air New Zealand has reported an after tax $40 million loss for the six months to December.

We’ve had a controversial and complicated history when it comes to selling off state assets.

From bailing out banks to the great 90s airport selloff, it’s always been a touchy subject for Kiwis who want to keep everything in house.

But, is it time for us to face facts that maybe privatisation isn’t that bad after all?

Today on The Front Page, Act Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour is with us to chat about what should stay, and what should go.

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures show New Zealand women are significantly under-represented in property ownership. 

More than half (53%) of Gen Z men and two-thirds (66%) of Millennial men own the home they live in. 

That’s compared to the female figures of about a third and under half, respectively. 

Today on The Front Page, Cotality NZ’s chief property economist, Kelvin Davidson is with us to discuss what’s contributing to the discrepancy, and how we might be able to fix it. 

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is cash really still King?

For years, more stores are no longer accepting cash as payment and it’s easy to see why, with 94% of transactions in 2024 being digital. They’re also not obligated to either.

In 2023, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand found cash usage for everyday purchases had decreased from 95.8% in 2019 -- to 57.2% that year. 

Apparently just 8% of New Zealanders were regular or daily cash users. 

But today, the Reserve Bank’s opened public consultation on a proposal that would force banks to set up hundreds, if not thousands, of additional ATMs and branches to make sure people have access to cash.  

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny joins us to discuss why cash might be here to stay. 

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.