Does it seem like people are a bit sicker than usual this winter?

It’s been the talk of offices around the country, as people seem to be falling sick and staying sick for longer than usual.

And it’s not just Covid that is continuing to claim lives, with the Herald reporting on two cases in the last month of people dying suddenly after developing flu symptoms.

So how bad are the bugs and diseases going around Aotearoa this winter, and what do we need to know to be vigilant about our health?

Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard, an epidemiologist with the University of Otago’s Department of Public Health, and Dr Bryan Betty, chair of General Practice New Zealand.

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: Georgina Campbell
Sound Engineer: Paddy Fox
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first week of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne has come to an end.

While we’re in the early stages of evidence, the topics that will be covered in the case have been made clear.

Infidelity, threesomes, sex workers, a meth habit, financial concerns, depression, stress, and a Covid vaccine rollout: All this will be traversed over the next six weeks to answer the ultimate question of murder or suicide?

Day 4 focused on the rope found at the scene and analysis of it from a Canadian expert, before the state of the guest room and laundry in the couple's home was explored. Day 5 had a focus on some of the last photos seen of Hanna from the day before her death.

You can listen to episodes of Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial through The Front Page podcast feed, or find it on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

This series is presented and produced by, Chelsea Daniels, with producer Ethan Sills and sound engineer Paddy Fox.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party will be gathering for its Annual General Meeting this weekend.

It comes as the party recently marked eight months in power, and as key campaign promises of tax cuts and youth boot camps take effect, giving them plenty to celebrate.

But it’s not been an easy ride for the biggest party in Parliament, caught in the middle of a coalition it would rather not be in, and facing continued pushback over its handling of Māori relations and the environment.

Today on The Front Page, we discuss how National is handling these highs and lows with NZ Herald political editor, Claire Trevett.

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: Georgina Campbell
Sound Engineer: Paddy Fox
Producer: Ethan Sills

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.