The Prime Minister has initiated and survived a motion of confidence as National Party leader. 

After about a three-hour caucus meeting, Christopher Luxon read a short statement out to media before leaving without taking questions. 

This all comes after weeks of speculation about whether his performance during the Iran fuel crisis mixed with poor polling would be enough to get him kicked out of the Beehive. 

So, does Luxon actually have the full support of his caucus? Will this all quieten leadership rumours? And what will it mean for the election?  

NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor was in amongst the action all day today – he joins us now on The Front Page.

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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 Government has quietly agreed to repeal several references to Treaty principles within laws. 

The move – which wasn’t publicly announced – follows a coalition agreement to review Treaty provisions across 23 pieces of legislation.

Ministers argue the changes will bring greater clarity and consistency.

Critics warn it could strain Māori-Crown relationships even further, and could trigger legal challenges.

So, what does it all mean? And, does it echo the deeply controversial Treaty Principles Bill in any way?

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor is with us to break it down.

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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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It seems the ongoing uncertainty of whether pumps will dry out has got people thinking greener.

As at April 12, there were 5,137 EVs registered this year – up 116% from the same time last year. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEVs, are at an all-time high up 75% and Hybrids up 5%.

These kinds of numbers haven’t been seen since the Clean Car Discount/post-lockdown boom seen in 2023.

Sellers and auction sites are reporting hugely increased interest in zero-emissions cars; with good reason, because a typical EV might cost you as little as $10-15 to "fill" at home overnight.

But, before you Covid-style panic buy an electric vehicle, it might pay to do some homework first. Today on The Front Page, motoring expert Clive Matthew-Wilson.

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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 Iranian military has threatened shipping in the Gulf, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Oman if the US naval blockade continues.

The threats made by general Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi were apparently aired on Iranian state television.

Meanwhile, talks could resume as early as this week with NBC news reporting Trump has said the war was “very close to over” while Tehran has said messages were still being exchanged via Pakistan. 

Trump has also claimed that China is “very happy” about the situation – that was after Beijing labelled the US blockade “dangerous.” 

He also said that President Xi Jinping had agreed not to send weapons to Iran.

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

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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.

Illicit tobacco is quietly taking hold across New Zealand.

A Retail NZ report warns the country could soon face the same violent black-market spiral seen in Australia.

It has found more than a quarter of smokers are using illicit tobacco - most sourced from China and the Middle East.

Some cartons are being sold for as little as 15 dollars - with supply controlled by organised crime groups.

So what’s driving this trade, and how serious is the threat?

Today on The Front Page, CEO Carolyn Young is with us to talk about the report’s findings and what action we need to take now.

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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 blockade of Iranian ports has begun.

President Donald Trump is warning any ships that try to disrupt US efforts will be eliminated. Earlier, Iran's parliament speaker said the country would not "surrender under threats".
Weekend peace talks between the US and Iran ended without resolution, with Trump blaming Iran 's unwillingness to end its nuclear ambitions.

Vice President JD Vance has said that it’s up to Iran and the “ball is in their court” about furthering peace talks.

So, what exactly is a blockade? Is it legal? And, what could it mean for the wider conflict?

Today on The Front Page, University of Waikato international law professor Al Gillespie is with us to unpack the implications and explore what this move might really achieve.

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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.

It’s 208 days until Kiwis hit the polls and vote for the next Government.

And despite campaigning not officially starting, the Prime Minister’s performance has been called into question, time and time again.

Accusations range from Luxon leaning too much into corporate speak and acting like a CEO to dodging questions, and even dodging entire press conferences during a global fuel crisis to open a stadium.

With flubbed media interviews going viral, Christopher Luxon’s behaviour is being put under a microscope. So much so that there are whisperings of a coup. 

Can one man’s public image impact an entire party? And who’s been sent in to help National months ahead of election day?  

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald Editor-at-Large, and Media Insider, Shayne Currie is with us to break down Luxon’s trials and tribulations, and how he might turn them around.

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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.

There are more than 70 Kiwis banged up abroad, according to new data.

But, the true figure is likely higher, with many detainees choosing not to tell the New Zealand government they’ve been arrested.

They’re detained across dozens of countries, from the US and Australia to parts of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

NZ Herald senior journalist Anna Leask has been looking into New Zealanders locked up overseas, she joins us today on The Front Page.

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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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Cyclone Vaianu is currently tracking toward the top of the North Island with forecasters warning it could make landfall between Auckland and the Coromandel this weekend. 

Heavy rain, high winds and coastal surges are all in play, with officials stating it could be a potentially life-threatening weather event.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has recommended people stock up and get their supplies in order.

Today on The Front Page, meteorologist for Earth Sciences NZ, Chester Lampkin is with us to give us an idea on just how bad things could get and how prepared we should be.

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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/Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has backed down again on threats towards Iran.

In a social media post, the President said he has agreed “to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” and that this “will be a double-sided ceasefire”.

It’s after Iranians formed human chains along bridges and around power plants after Trump vowed that “a whole civilisation will die tonight”.

On the other hand, Iran has claimed victory, saying it forced the US to accept its 10-point plan.

All the while, our Foreign Minister Winston Peters has met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, coming out of it saying he is “very hopeful for the future”.

Today on The Front Page, University of Otago Peace Studies professor Richard Jackson is with us to take us through the latest, and 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 rejected a proposed ceasefire with the US and Israel. 

It’s after an expletive-ridden post from President Donald Trump – where he demanded the Strait of Hormuz be opened or else Iran would be “living in Hell”. 

Iran’s deputy foreign minister has accused Trump of threatening war crimes, saying strikes on power plants and bridges would target civilian infrastructure and violate international law. 

Meanwhile, our Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling to Washington D.C. - where he’ll meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials.  

Today on The Front Page, University of Otago international relations expert Robert Patman is with us to discuss the latest on the war in Iran, and what could happen next.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.