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The government's COVID-19 inquiry recently returned a series of recommendations around New Zealand's preparations for future pandemics. While the government accepted the vast majority of these recommendations, there are concerns about the implementation, especially as the pandemic and its management have become a topic of significant political polarisation.  To discuss the inquiry and how politics is influencing our disease management, News Director Castor spoke to Professor of Public Health Michael Baker.

Last week, NZ First leader Winston Peters made derogatory comments towards Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-Nan. The comments echoed racist stereotypes about immigrants and led to strong backlash from members of the public and politicians across parliament. This is not the first example of discriminatory comments from NZ First politicians this year. Candidate Stuart Nash spouted misogynistic rhetoric about National MP Katie Nimon earlier this year, and Deputy Leader Shane Jones made some derogatory comments about Indian migrants even earlier in the year. While MPs continue to call out these comments, little is being done to actually respond to them, especially as ACT and National continue to support NZ First in power. Also this past week saw the Ministry for Regulation advising that legalising plug-in solar could provide significant benefits. While plug-in solar rarely generates enough electricity to power a home, it can alleviate power costs especially in sunny months, reducing the burden on households and the electrical grid.  For this week's catchup with ACT's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with NZ First leader Winston Peters' comments.

Jenna chats with Rosetta and Milly about Daisy Johnson's new book, Long Wave. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to Timeout Bookstore!

Ata mārie e te whānau! Rosetta is back and the girls are reunited at last, in the new Karangahape studio no less! E whai ake nei, coming up on the show today: Whakataukī o Tēnei Wiki with Arini Loader, This Is How We Brew It with Charlie, and Loose Reads with Jenna. Plus prizes, tunes, chats, and more! Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Arini brings us a bit of mātauranga to take us throughout the wiki! Whakarongo mai nei! He taru tawhiti // A weed from far away

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about discriminatory comments from NZ First MPs and candidates, and about the possibilities of plug in solar in Aotearoa.  They also spoke to Professor of Public Health Michael Baker about the recommendations from the latest COVID-19 Inquiry and how politics is influencing pandemic management.  And Producer Pranuja spoke to Associate Professor of Social Sciences, Carisa Showden, about proposed changes to New Zealand's sexual consent laws.

Charlie fills us in on all the latest kawhe news, and some exciting happenings from the world of eighthirty! Whakarongo mai nei. Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

The first Monday Morning Glory in the new Karangahape Road studio!!! A Special Thanks to The Tuning Fork

This week we are broadcasting for the first time from the new 95bFM studio on Karangahape Road. This week's show featured new tracks from Romi Wrights and Anthonie Tonnon. 

The Retreat is now embedded in the new studio on K Road, with Kris and Rob drawing inspiration from the new studio space, and Rob opening the show with a poem. In sport, Rob discusses his chance to see Spurs live in action, and Kris quickly abandons his plan to play Cure-adjacent music in favour of a set full of danceable bangers. All made possible with the generous support of Hallertau!

No one really knows what the future holds / But we know nothing's gonna last forever. Thanks Decibel Wines. (Get a discount on your order with code 95BFM.)

Erica Van Zon is a Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based multidisciplinary artist whose practice employs craft-based materials spanning across embroidery, ceramics, beading, tapestry, photography, and steel. Drawing inspiration from personal fascination and memory, Van Zon embraces the playfulness or humour of depicting everyday moments of encounter, enjoying the slippage between reality and the imperfect outcome of the handmade, in a process of translating one medium to another.   Her current exhibition at Melanie Roger Gallery, Various Aquaria, presents a wonderful body of work bringing together embroidery, beading, and photography. Largely working thematically from exhibition to exhibition, here, Van Zon turns to the aquarium as both a subject and a constructed system of display, performance, and controlled life. Depictions of fish, swamps, coral, and water are placed in conversation with acts of human encounter – the touch of a hand, an aeroplane flying above, or through the camera lens.  Sof caught up with Erica about Various Aquaria and her overall practice. 

Maya catches up with Marie Le Lievre about Salt (House) on at Two Rooms Gallery. And Sof speaks with Erica Van Zon about her current solo exhibition at Melanie Roger Gallery, Various Aquaria. Whakarongo mai

Leon Aoki & Dylan Biscuit break in the new studio. Special guest selections from Matt Hunter aka Kenny Sterling.

This week's show, the final show ever in the old campus studio, focuses on Marvin Gaye's classic album What's Going On, celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. Featuring various hits from Motown's back catalogue from artists including The Supremes, The Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder. Also includes songs from contemporary soul musicians including Gil Scott-Heron, Sly and the Family Stone and Curtis Mayfield, as well as some artists inspiring and inspired by Marvin Gaye!

Lara dials in for a chat with Rosetta and Milly about the latest NZ First conference, proposed changes to sick leave, and Paul Henry joining the ACT Party. Whakarongo mai nei!

Rosetta and Milly chat with Litong Chen, who is a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Engineering, looking at tackling water insecurity by turning salty seawater into safe drinking water. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to UoA!

Mōrena! E whai ake nei, coming up on your Tuesday Breakfast show with Rosetta and Milly: Political Commentary with Lara Greaves, Ready Steady Learn with Litong Chen, Short Player, Prizes, and more! Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

This week on the Monday Wire...  For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about newly announced ACT candidate Paul Henry, default union membership, and scrutiny over the ban on puberty blockers. They also spoke to Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad about problems with the proposed move-on orders bill and particularly how it can impact young people in Aotearoa.  Wednesday Wire producer Theo spoke to University of Canterbury Associate Professor Tim Chambers about the impacts of nitrate levels on pre-term births.  And Monday Wire producer spoke with Dr Terryann Clark, the Cure Kids Professorial Chair in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Auckland, about banning social media for under 16-year-olds in Aotearoa.

Charlie joins Rosetta and Milly to chat about all things kawhe! Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Arini brings us a whakataukī to get us through the wiki! Whakarongo mai nei! Haere e whai te waewae āo ō Uenuku, kia ora ai te tāngata // Go search for the footprints of Uenuku, so that humankind can be well.

Jenna joins Rosetta and Milly for a chat about Ben Lerner's Transcription. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to Timeout Bookstore! 

A recently released study from researchers at the Otago, Canterbury, and Massey universities has found an association between nitrate concentrations in drinking water, and pre-term births. The study is the first of its scale to investigate the health impacts of nitrate on health, involving the birth records of over 735,000 babies born between 2008 and 2021.  It comes after the Ministry of Health launched a review into the health effects of nitrate in drinking water earlier this year, with groups such as Greenpeace long-arguing for a reduction in the maximum acceptable value of nitrate in drinking water for Aotearoa New Zealand. So, to learn more about what the study found, Producer Theo spoke to its lead author, the University of Canterbury's Associate Professor Tim Chambers.

Last week, the ACT Party announced that former broadcaster Paul Henry will be running as a candidate in this year's election. Henry has been subject to some controversy in the past, with derogatory comments made towards multiple public figures during his time as a breakfast show host.  Also last week, the Green Party announced a policy of default union membership, meaning that a person will be automatically signed up for the appropriate union when they start a new job. The ACT Party says this policy impedes on personal freedoms, though the Greens have reiterated that people can still leave unions.  Lastly, the government's ban on puberty blockers has been under scrutiny following a court case from the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa. The association has put forward multiple critiques, primarily that the ban appears to be based in ideology rather than medical evidence.  For this week's catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with Paul Henry's appointment as a candidate.

A New Zealand parliamentary inquiry has backed stronger regulation of social media, including a possible ban for users under 16. Supporters argue a ban could protect young people from addictive platforms, harmful content and worsening mental health. But University of Auckland researchers say the evidence does not support blaming social media as the main cause of rising youth distress. To discuss this, Producer Pranuja spoke with Dr Terryann Clark, the Cure Kids Professorial Chair in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Auckland.

Space time!  Astronomer Josh Aoraki from Te Whatu Stardome joins Big J and Smashton to chat about the Mars rover's big road trip, a new private mission to Mars, and the next Lunar lander.   Thanks to Te Whatu Stardome 

Lara Greaves phones in for political commentary, to chat about National's Kiwisaver policy, the Green's Tax Policy, and coalition tensions. Whakarongo mai nei!

Tom and Kat from Nympho are up in the studio for a kōrero about the Givealittle fundraiser to save beloved venue and club space Neck of The Woods. Whakarongo mai nei!

Researcher at the Faculty of Engineering and Design Ayla Hoeta joins Rosetta and Milly for a kōrero about her research in the Maramataka, and it's connection to te taiao. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to UoA!

Last week, during Scrutiny Week, Housing Minister Chris Bishop was asked about the government's changes to social housing rent in this year's budget, prompting an explanation and defence for this government's approach to social housing. Last week also saw the tangible possibility of a peace deal between the US and Iran emerge, with talks progressing between the two parties to bring conflict to a close. THis, of course, will have an effect on New Zealand's fuel situation, with the fuel crisis caused by the conflict having widespread effects on the country. And the Conservation Amendment Bill has roused concern and criticism over what some worry will lead to the selling off of large chunks of conservation land, despite the Government's comments to the contrary, as it seeks to how Conservation land is organised, and how it can be sold. Host Alex spoke with National Party MP Ryan Hamilton about these topics, starting with Minister Chris Bishop and the government's social housing changes.

This week on Dear Science, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, speaks with us about earthquakes moving Japan, nuclear clocks, and sorting recycling. Thanks to MOTAT - Home of Powerful Play!

Ata mārie e te whānau! E whai ake nei, coming up on the show this morning; Political Commentary with Lara Greaves, a kōrero with the team from Nympho about the Neck of the Woods Givealittle, and Ready Steady Learn with Ayla Hoeta. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Today on the Tuesday Wire... For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chats with us about Japan's Islands moving, nuclear clocks, and recycling with barcodes For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Alex speaks with MP Ryan Hamilton about Housing Minister Chris Bishop's comments on social housing, the potential end of the Iran War, and the Conservation Amendment Bill. Producer Liam speaks to Professor Richard Easther about the government's approach to science funding and the impacts that budget 2026 and other measures will have on science and scientists in New Zealand.  Liam also also speaks to Professor Aeron Davis, about Keir Starmer's recent resignation, how this came about and what we might expect the future of the labour party to look like, with the likely appointment of former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as Prime Minister.

This week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation, paving the way for new leadership in the British Labour Party. Starmer had been increasingly criticised by the public and his own party for not taking decisive enough action given his sweeping majority in the previous election. The frontrunner to become the new Prime Minister is former Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, who recently won the Makerfield by-election, putting him in the position to become the next Prime Minister.  I spoke to Aeron Davis, Professor of Political Communication at Victoria University of Wellington, about the political situation in the United Kingdom, the differences in leadership between Keir Starmer and the incoming Andy Burnham, and what impacts these changes will have.

Scientists in New Zealand have faced increased cuts to science funding in the last few years, with the removal of the Marsden fund for blue-sky research and further cuts announced in this year's budget, with a greater emphasis placed on research commercialisation and funds controlled by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise.  I spoke with Professor Richard Easther, head of the Department of Physics at the University of Auckland, about what impact the current government's policies have had on science and what this means for the future of science in New Zealand.

The government's Conservation Amendment Bill includes plans to sell up to 60% of New Zealand's conservation land. The government argues that much of this land is not your typical conservation land - rather that it includes farmland and other unused areas without ecological benefits.  The bill's opponents, however, say this isn't the full story, and that the government's criteria for sale opens room to sell large portions of land currently inhabited by our native flora and fauna. The policy also paves the way for further sales of conservation land, especially concerning because of the minimal public influence on the decision, despite the fact that it affects public assets.  The concerns are further compounded by the release of a Curia Market Research poll this morning on public support for the sale of conservation land. Not only are the majority of the population opposed, but this opposition extends to the majority of National and ACT voters and half of NZ First voters.  Youth unemployment is also an issue in the news cycle this week, with rates at a thirty year high. Despite this government being in power for almost three years, improvements are difficult to find.  Lastly, last week saw announcements that Flying Out Record Store and Neck of the Woods will both be closing. These announcements follow the closure of Verona Cafe and Bar and the cancellation of The Others Way festival for 2026. With Auckland's arts and culture funding seeing cuts each year, there are calls for the government to take action to support these businesses and communities. For this week's catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with the Conservation Amendment Bill.

We chatted to the majestic and illustrious Greta O'Leary to discuss her latest single, Year of the Dog, and its accompanying music video. And booooooooy, is it a goodie!

One hundred Kiwi kids are diagnosed with a life-threatening condition called Hydrocephalus yearly. Hydrocephalus is a condition where the brain gets an abnormal amount of fluid buildup, which causes harmful pressure on brain tissues.   The current standard treatment for it is a shunt implantation, which is a tiny silicon tube that gets inserted into the brain to drain any excess fluid into other parts of the body harmlessly. However, these shunts have the tendency to get blocked about fifty percent of the time. And if they don't get replaced in time the raised pressure in the brain could cause huge damage and even death. The major problem is that symptoms of a failed shunt are very common and are hard to interpret.  To fix this, researchers have been developing an implantable wireless brain sensor, which will be able to read brain pressure wirelessly and safely at home.  To learn more about this new technology and how it will work in the future. Producer Jude spoke to University of Auckland Senior Research Fellow Dr Sarah-Jane Guild.