Election 2026: The Front Bench

Election 2026 is set to be one of the most important in recent memory.   To cut through the spin – join Newstalk ZB’s The Front Bench to get to the heart of the issues that matter most.  Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2026. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated political discussion.   Josie Pagani brings decades of political experience and insight, having worked across government, policy and communications. A respected political commentator and current Child Fund CEO, she offers a deep understanding of the forces shaping New Zealand politics and the decisions confronting voters. Director of Sherson Willis PR, Trish Sherson draws on a career spanning politics, communications and business leadership. A former press secretary, she brings firsthand experience of how political decisions are developed, communicated and scrutinised, while her extensive governance and corporate affairs background provides valuable perspective on the real-world impact of policy. And of course, you’ll get the best analysis from Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis Allan and Barry Soper.   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.***  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.