The Front Bench: Predictable policy and the rising star of Barbara Edmonds

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on. 

In the first edition of The Front Bench for Election 2026, the panel gives their take on which party is being the most predictable so far this election campaign. 

Heather asks whether Barbara Edmonds is the new star of the Labour Party and where Winston Peters has been so far during the campaign. 

Plus does David Seymour have an issue with the Herald's Poll of Polls? 

Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.  

Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.