95bFM: The Wire

Like the rest of the world, we are currently living in a time of economic uncertainty. Economists are forecasting the NZ dollar's decrease in value, and there have been debates about whether the official cash rate should decrease. Professor Robert MacCulloch is one of the academics that believe the OCR should stay as is. Producer Faith spoke to MacCulloch about his stance.  

The government's 2025 budget still seems to be very topical. Despite many academics criticising the budget for taking money out of of the pockets of those less well-off, the government has also received praise for their investment in abuse redress and care reform- with them allocating $774m to the victims of abuse in state care. Producer Faith spoke to Professor Jodi Gardner from the University of Auckland's Law Faculty about how the  investment will benefit this victims, and what she thinks the government should do to ensure practical solutions are put in place  

This week on the Tuesday Wire... For Dear Science, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chatted with us about discounting claims of life on k2-18b, stories of a mysterious ninth planet, and 'The Blue Danube' heading to outer space.  In our weekly catchup with the National Party's Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about the new defence spending in 2025's Budget and where everything's going to go.  They also spoke to the General Manager at Forest and Bird, Richard Capie, about the disestablishment of Predator Free 2050.  Producer Faith spoke to Professor Robert MacCulloch from the University of Auckland's School of Business and Economics about the official cash rate (OCR), and whether or not it should drop. She also spoke to Professor Jodi Gardner from the University's Faculty of Law about how the government's Budget 2025 will invest in abuse redress and care reform.

One of the less discussed announcements in 2025's budget was the disestablishment of Predator Free 2050. The project was announced by former Prime Minister John Key in 2016, with the ambitious goal of complete pest eradication in Aotearoa.  The government's contributions to the mission were funneled through ‘Predator Free 2050' a government-funded organisation created to support conservation projects and technologies. These projects funded through Predator Free 2050 will not be affected by the organisation's closure, and will instead be passed on to the Department of Conservation. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the change will increase efficiency and reduce duplication.  While it's good news that the funding won't be affected on paper, the Department of Conservation is already struggling to manage its existing commitments. With these additional responsibilities, the future of the Predator Free mission has become less certain.  To discuss conservation in Aotearoa and how this cut will affect the Predator Free mission, Wire host Castor spoke to General Manager at Forest and Bird, Richard Capie.

From 9th June, the United Nations Ocean Conference is being held in France, which is co-hosting the event with Costa Rica. More than 50 world leaders are expected to attend, with 1500 delegates from almost 200 countries.  The conference follows the world's first deep-sea mining application for the international seabed, which was submitted to the United States government as opposed to the United Nations regulator. Wire Host Caeden spoke to Juressa Lee (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Rarotonga), seabed mining campaigner at Greenpeace, about the conference. 

Global military expenditure reached a record high of two point seven trillion dollars in 2024, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. This is the tenth consecutive year that military spending has increased across the world. Last week's Budget announcement, as with declarations of investments earlier this year, in which $12 billion was committed to defence over the next four years, with an aim to reach 2% of GDP, demonstrate the New Zealand government's interest in keeping up with global standards.  Peace Movement Aotearoa have called this central government decision “deplorable”, as the same budget made cuts to crucial social services, and has underinvested in urgent issues within sectors like health, climate action, and infrastructure. Producer Sara spoke with Massey University's Associate Professor in the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Anna Powles, about why both global and national military spending is increasing despite other crucial areas needing investment. Sara also spoke with Peace Movement Aotearoa co-ordinator Edwina Hughes about the effects of this increased militarisation taking priority over efforts to address humanitarian issues.  She began her interview with Associate Professor Anna Powles, by asking what some of the key drivers of this increased global military spending are. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about Budget 2025, particularly its impact on rangatahi, and the Regulatory Standards Bill. For International Desk, they spoke to Greenpeace campaigner Juressa Lee about the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference.  For this week's City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke with Councillor Shane Henderson on Auckland Council's recent approval for new development in the city centre, as well as the latest updates in the Western Springs speedway v stadium debate For her second topic, of national and global military spending, she spoke with Massey University Defence and Security Associate Professor Anna Powles, as well as Peace Movement Aotearoa coordinator Edwina Hughes. 

Last Thursday Budget 2025, the “Growth” Budget, was announced. As part of the Budget, there were significant changes to Kiwisaver. There are also new eligibility limits for 18 and 19-year-olds to access benefits, based on parental income. And the ACT Party's Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its first reading and is now before the Finance and Expenditure Committee. The bill has been criticised for its potential effect on the place of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our laws.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke with Shanan Halbert about both of these issues.

Could a water crisis be in the pipeline for Aotearoa? Sewage contaminating Oyster farms in Auckland, as well as more periods of extreme rainfall due to climate change, has highlighted the lack of investment in water infrastructure over the past couple decades. Dan Hikuroa, an associate professor at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, upholds a traditional Māori view of water as a sacred taonga, as something to be treasured, rather than being framed as a property right and commodity. To talk about what we should change to protect our water in Aotearoa, Producer Max spoke to Dan Hikuroa.

Chris Hall, an Associate Professor at the department of molecular medicine and pathology at the University of Auckland, has led a study that looked into the impact that daylight has on our immune system. The research identifies that many people could be experiencing what is scientifically described as “social jet lag”. The term describes the misalignment between our internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, and our social schedule. Chris Hall led the study to look into how important our circadian rhythm is to our immune system, and how regular exposure to daylight can support a healthy immune system as well. To talk about this, Producer Max spoke to Chris Hall.

This week on the Tuesday Wire... For Dear Science, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about personalised gene therapy treatment, using molecules to crack passcodes, and Olympic pool bombing.  In our weekly catchup with the National Party's Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about Pay Equity in light of the government's recent changes.  They also spoke to Professor Terryann Clark from the University of Auckland about social media use among young people.  Producer Faith spoke to the Dr Chanelle Duley, an economics lecturer at the university of Auckland, about how financial technology can be used for good, and what we need to be cautious of. She also spoke to Professor Frederique Vanholsbeeck from the university's physics department about deep tech, and how NZ can better utilise it. 

Social media use among young people has been the subject of recent conversation, sparked by National MP Catherine Wedd's private members bill. While the bill hasn't been drawn, the proposal to restrict social media from those under sixteen was met with criticism and support from other political parties.  Wire host Castor spoke to Professor Terryann Clark from the University of Auckland about how a social media ban might affect young people and address the issues they face around mental health.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to her about the Privileges Committee's recommendations to suspend co-leader's Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer for 21-days and MP Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for their haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill, and the Waitangi Tribunals recommendations regarding the Regulatory Standards Bill. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie speaks to Simon Court about the Waitangi Tribunal recommending an ‘immediate halt' to the Regulatory Standards Bill and the government opening a review into the Waitangi Tribunal. Evie also spekas to The University of Auckland's Tom Baker about the government's newly announced Social Investment Fund. Joel speaks to Mark Thomas, an Associate Professor in Infectious Diseases at the University of Auckland, about the World Health Organisation declaring an outbreak of Polio in Papua New Guinea. Whakarongo mai.

Recently, the World Health Organisation has declared an outbreak of Polio in Papua New Guinea. Previously, the nation had been declared polio-free in 2000. However, Papua New Guinea faced an outbreak in 2018. This was eradicated in the same year. Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, said that New Zealand is ready anytime to assist Papua New Guinea if needed, however, he says he has not received a formal request for help as of this morning. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Mark Thomas, an associate professor of infectious diseases at the University of Auckland, about the World Health Organisation's declaration, and what needs to be done to mitigate future outbreaks heading forward.

Last week Finance minister Nicola Willis announced a $190 million social investment fund that will invest in at least 20 social service initiatives over the next year.  Three projects will receive initial funding: an Autism New Zealand programme providing early support to 50 families; an expansion of Emerge Aotearoa's work with at-risk youth; and He Piringa Whare, a data-informed programme to support at-risk Māori. Social Investment is a policy that has been seen from previous National governments, largely associated with former prime minister Bill English.  Under English, the policy involved using data to calculate which groups of people cost the government the most over a lifetime. Interventions aimed at reducing that cost are then targeted at those people.  However critics say this often leads to fiscal outcomes being valued over social outcomes, or profit over people.  This time around the government claims they'll focus on social outcomes over financial ones - but the policy's real effects are yet to be seen.  Producer Evie spoke to the University of Auckland's Associate Professor in Environment Tom Baker about the fund, and how we can expect it to take effect this time around. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour's Shanan Halbert about Chris Hipkins pre-budget speech at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the government's review into the Waitangi Tribunal, and the cost of National's FamilyBoost policy. For International Desk, they spoke to Associate Professor in Political Science at Paris Cité University, Speranta Dumitru, about Pope Leo XIV's views on migration and what this means for the papacy more broadly.  For City Counselling, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson, about how much of an impact the climate crisis will have on voters heading into local elections and incorrectly recycling lithium-ion batteries. And Tuesday Wire Host Castor spoke to PhD student in Education at the University of Auckland and primary school teacher Tom Pearce about the government's stance towards testing in schools and his concerns of over-testing.

This week the government announced some of its education funding allocation in advance of next week's budget. The announcement included $100 million for expert maths teachers and new maths tests in school.   $4 million has been allocated for a new maths test for students in their first two years of schooling. Education Minister Erica Stanford sez the test will help teachers identify students in need of additional support, with these additional needs to be met by the new team of specialist maths teachers.  These tests join a series of other tests introduced by the current government across all levels of primary and secondary education. To discuss how tests like this work for students and teachers on the ground, Wire host Castor spoke to PhD student in Education at the University of Auckland and primary school teacher, Tom Pearce.

Yesterday, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, delivered a petition, which was signed by more than 16,000 citizens. The petition calls on the government to stop the Police's hasty withdrawal from mental health callouts, until an alternative service is up and running. Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, Shaun Robinson, has said that “The Police are a critical safety net for people in distress needing urgent access to mental health support”, and that the government removing the support of the police without an alternative in place is comparable to removing the engine of a car while it is running. Robinson believes that both situations are “dangerous, and likely to lead to an accident”. To talk about the dangers of this development, Producer Max spoke with Shaun Robinson

Recently, the US military indicated that it wants to increase the number of space launches from Rocket Lab's launchpad on the Mahia Peninsula, including launching satellites that are involved in Nuclear command-control-and-comms. Valerie Morse from Peace Action Wellington, has questioned this development over the lack of transparency from the US military about what they are launching into space, and urged New Zealand to stay firm on it's stance on Nuclear Weapons. To talk about this, as well as what it means for New Zealand's independence, Producer Max spoke with Valerie Morse.

Just this week, New Zealand's first measles case in 2 years was reported in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. The patient contracted the disease while travelling in Asia before coming back to Aotearoa and, with global measles cases on the rise, concerns have been raised about the potential for an outbreak and its impacts on New Zealand's already overburdened healthcare system. Oto spoke to Helen Petousis-Harris, an Associate Professor in General Practice & Primary Healthcare at the University of Auckland, to discuss the recent measles case in Aotearoa and its potential implications.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catchup with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to her about changes to prisoners' voting eligibility, the party calling for more funding for Whakaata Māori in Budget 2025, and ECE recommendations. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about David Seymour's proposal to reduce the size of cabinet, an ACT Members Bill aimed at removing mandatory climate-related disclosures for banks, as well as last week's unprecedented senior doctor strikes. Joel spoke to Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, about animal product imports to New Zealand, as a petition to Parliament to ensure imports are coming from country's with animal welfare standards on par with ours. Joel also spoke to Robert Patman, a Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, about his article on the Conversation, discussing his concerns over the Trump Administration's proposed peace deal regarding Russia's war on Ukraine, and how New Zealand should proceed with supporting Ukraine. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss young people developing their political views through social media. Whakarongo mai

This week, the New Zealand government has pushed through with urgency, the introduction of a Pay Equity Amendment Bill which makes changes to the Equal Pay Act 1972, making the criteria for pay equity claims stricter, and discontinuing thirty three existing claims, which were representing thousands of workers. While coalition party politicians say the amendment would benefit women and could save ‘billions', opposition parties and community commentators reject these notions and have expressed disappointment and frustration at the lack of opportunity for public engagement on the issue. Producer Sara spoke with University of Auckland teaching fellow Simon Schofield about the issue. She began the interview by asking why this bill is so problematic

A new research paper published this week is exploring how the treatment of wastewater with alkaline minerals could reduce carbon emissions through the mitigation of ocean acidification. The ocean plays a critical role in the Earth's ecosystem as a ‘carbon sink', absorbing about 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.  As climate change, driven by activities like the burning of fossil fuels and acceleration of land use, has led to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, oceans are absorbing increasing amounts of CO2, increasing ocean acidification and negatively impacting marine life. If scalable, the treatment of wastewater released into the ocean to offset acidification could be a valuable piece in the puzzle of global climate solutions.  Producer Sara spoke with University of Canterbury academics and members of the team at New Zealand cleantech company ‘Aspiring Materials', Dr Matt Watson, and Dr Simon Reid, about the potential for these findings, as well as how carbon sequestration can be maximised for the benefit of the environment. Here is that interview.

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menendez-March, Oto spoke to him about The $2 billion boost for naval helicopters, the voting ban for prisoners and the party's new members bill to ensure that imported products meet animal welfare regulations. For this week's Get Action! He spoke to Tara Forde from Aotearoa Covid Action to discuss a petition of hers calling for improvements to the air quality in schools. And he spoke to Rachel Mackintosh from E Tu Union to discuss Brooke Van Velden's changes to pay equity claims Max spoke to National Co-chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, John Minto, about the attack on the ‘Conscience', a Freedom Flotilla boat which was loaded with life-saving humanitarian aid for Gaza, before being disabled off the coast of Malta. And he spoke to Ronan Payinda, a student at the University of Auckland, who led a study which looked into the location and frequency of Vape stores, around schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Just yesterday, Workplace Minister Brooke van Velden announced a series of radical changes to New Zealand's Pay Equity Legislation. The changes would increase the pay equity claims of gender-discrimination from 60-70% and adjust the comparators to make sure claims met standards that Brooke Van Velden has described as “Genuine” and Sustainable for employers. This would cause all 33 current pending claims representing thousands of workers in the care industry and health sector to be dropped. Subsequently, a number of unions and Women's groups have condemned the government's changes and have vowed to protest outside parliament in opposition to them. Oto spoke to Rachel Mackintosh, Assistant National Secretary for E tū Union, to discuss Brooke Van Velden's changes to Pay Equity Laws and how they will impact Women Workers

This week, a study was launched which looked into the location of vape stores around schools in Aotearoa. In the study it was found that 44% of schools in New Zealand have a vape store within a one-kilometer radius, and that 13% have a dedicated store within 300 meters. This is despite a legislation being passed by the government in 2023, which banned specialist vape stores from opening within 300 meters of schools and marae, the legislation however, allowed existing vape shops to continue operating. Ronan Payinda, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Auckland, who led the study, says that he saw the explosion of vaping while he was at school in Northland, and felt that New Zealand was failing as a society to grapple with its potentially serious health effects. To talk about this, Producer Max spoke with Ronan Payinda.

This week, an attack on the Freedom Flotilla boat, The ‘Conscience', was launched while it was off the coast of Malta. The ‘Conscience' was loaded with life-saving humanitarian aid for Gaza before being disabled. The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, has said that the attack, which happened in international waters, was a thoroughly predictable war crime committed by an “out-of-control” Israel, and shows that Israel's genocide strategy has now gone global. To talk about this, as well as how the New Zealand government should respond, Producer Max spoke with John Minto, National Co-Chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

In light of the government's announcement to reinstate the prisoner's voting ban, the decision has received significant criticism. Such criticisms include the ban being described as a violation of fundamental rights, and a weak incentive for criminals Producer Faith spoke to criminology lecturer from the University of Auckland, and press spokesperson for People Against Prisons Aotearoa Dr. Emmy Rākete, and how she feels about the move.

New research published in the New Zealand veterinary journal has found that tuatara may be at risk from rat poison. The case has raised questions about pesticide and rodenticide use in Aotearoa, and weighing the risks to native wildlife against the benefits of pest eradication.  To discuss the poisoning and its wider ramifications for conservation in Aotearoa, Wire host Castor spoke to the University of Auckland's Professor James Russell.

A recent study from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ has shown the links between vaping, and an incurable lung disease. Producer Faith spoke to the foundation's chief executive Letitia Harding about these findings, and how she thinks the government should address the issue.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced a total ban on prisoners voting will be reinstated.  The move has been criticised by the opposition parties, as well as those working in criminal justice. Today is May Day, also known as International Workers Day and unions across Aotearoa are taking action against what they say is an “anti-worker agenda” from this government. Workers across a wide range of industries are stopping work and taking strike action.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these issues.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour's Carmel Sepuloni about the government removing voting rights from prisoners and the strikes happening across Aotearoa for May Day today. For International Desk, they spoke to Aleksi Toiviainen, co-organiser for Vote16 Canada and a democracy advocate, about the recent Canadian election result.   And they spoke to University of Auckland Associate Professor Brendon Dunphy about the threats facing seabirds in Aotearoa and the recent Oceania Seabirds Symposium. For City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke with Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson about the Waitākere Ranges management plan She also spoke with Professor of Health Economics Paula Lorgelly about the latest review of Pharmac.

A recent review of Pharmac, also known as Te Pātaka Whaioranga,  has found their current approach not fit for purpose, calling for an overhaul of their strategy and internal culture.  The pharmaceutical management agency faced criticism last year as a result of a lack of credibility and inconsistency of services.  With the proposal this week to scrap Pharmac's Māori directorate, concerns were especially emphasised about the equitable outcomes for Maaori and Pasifika populations. While the aim of the independent review was to look into ways to improve the services of Pharmac, it found that staff were sceptical that any meaningful changes could occur. Producer Sara spoke with University of Auckland's Professor of Health Economics Paula Lorgelly about the review and what changes are necessary. She started by asking about the key findings

The change to subsidising teachers registration fees has been well received by teachers across the country. A long anticipated change, it should eliminate a barrier to new teachers and a hurdle for existing teachers to cover. Education minister Erica Stanford also recently announced new classroom upgrades across the country to areas facing more overcrowding. Many schools across the country face overcrowding as an imminent issue, forcing students into hallways, libraries, or other extra rooms.  To discuss the change to teachers registration fees, overcrowding in schools, and what can be done to address these issues, Tuesday Wire Host Castor spoke to president of the Post Primary Teachers Association, Chris Abercrombie.

Gaza currently has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world, with over 23,000 children having sustained conflict-related injuries, and many thousands facing disabilities and needing long-term rehabilitation. This week it was announced that UNICEF would be launching a groundbreaking project to 3D print prosthetic limbs for war-injured children in Gaza, thanks to funding from the Federation of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). To talk about this project, as well as the impacts it could have on the children in Gaza, Producer Max spoke with the Head of Communications at UNICEF Aotearoa, Tania Sawicki Mead.

For our weekly catchup with the Green Party's Ricardo Menendez-March, Oto spoke to him about the government's pre-budget announcement and cuts to the operating allowance, as well as the government rejection suggestions to review carbon subsidies and the Greens' call to ban engineered stone products. He spoke to PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimmons (Fit-Simons) for a follow up conversation about the pre-budget announcement. And, for this week's Get Action! He speak to Volunteer president of the Associated New Zealand ME Society Fiona Charlton about a petition to roll back the government's benefit cuts for people experiencing long term hospitalisation. Max spoke to Tania Sawicki Mead, Head of Communications at UNICEF Aotearoa, about the announcement that UNICEF would be launching a groundbreaking project to 3D print prosthetic limbs for war-injured children in Gaza. And he spoke to Larah van de Meer, Research and Advocacy Manager at Autism New Zealand, about the recent study by the University of Otago, that showed that autistic pupils attend school at a noticeably lower rate than non-autistic students.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis made her Pre-Budget speech, in the leadup to Budget 2025, in which she announced that the government would be halving the operating allowance from $2.4 Billion to $1.3 Billion, going to a select number of government departments that Willis has described as “the most important priorities.” The PSA have referred to the government's cuts to the operating allowance as an “irresponsible recipe for failure” for the health system and public sector and plan to strongly oppose any job cuts for public servants or health workers. Oto spoke with PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons to discuss the government's pre-budget announcement.  

This week, a University of Otago led study found that autistic pupils are significantly less likely to attend school regularly, particularly at a young age. The researchers of the study had information on 654,438 pupils, of which 8427 were autistic. They found that autistic pupils' regular attendance was 55.3%, compared to 62.5% for non-autistic pupils. They also found that autistic students would experience about 78 fewer school days on average per year compared to their non-autistic peers. Lead author, Dr Nick Bowden, of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, has said that "it's important to remember that behind the data are real children, whānau, and educators, trying to make it work, often without the tools or support they need". Producer Max spoke with Larah van de Meer, Research and Advocacy Manager at Autism New Zealand, about the recent study by the University of Otago.  

The government has reviewed travel advice for those heading to the US, however, this status remains at ‘exercised increased caution'. This comes alongside multiple cases of tourists visiting or transiting through the US being detained, strip-searched and deported, despite having adequate legal documents. News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to Virginia Braun, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland, about New Zealand's travel advice to the US, and their recommendations for developing a travel risk assessment before travelling to, or through, the country.

Recently, the government has announced regulations for physician associates, or PAs. Minister of Health Simeon Brown says regulating this role "demonstrates the Government's commitment to patient safety and providing high quality care". The aim of regulating PAs would allow for more workers in the medical sector, and to entice overseas workers to fill gaps in rural practices. This move has faced backlash over concerns physician associates do not have the adequate medical expertise.  In the UK, there have been multiple reports of medical malpractice resulting in patient deaths, which resulted in the launch of an independent review into the safety of PAs. Currently in Aotearoa, Simeon Brown says there are 50 PAs across 29 different clinics. News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to the National Secretary of the New Zealand Residential Doctors' Association or the NZRDA, Dr Deborah Powell, about her concerns with this announcement.

Recently, NZ First Leader, and Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, has proposed a members bill that would ensure the terms “woman” and “man” are interpreted alongside one's sex assigned at birth, as opposed to gender identity. Peters sez he is aiming for this bill to replace a self-identification law that allows citizens to change their sex on their birth certificate. This bill has seen a multitude of criticism, over concerns this bill is aligning with similar moves overseas, such as in the UK and US, as well as how the bill would be enforced. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to a member from Queer Endurance / Defiance, Leliel Trethowen, about Winston Peter's member's bill, how this will impact Aotearoa's transgender community, and their planned rally on Parliament grounds against this proposed bill.

The government's proposed changes to ECE regulation have sparked concern among many early childhood educators.  The New Zealand Education Institute or NZEI says called it a backwards step. Adding it will result in qualified teacher requirements watered down, safety criteria withdrawn, and quality teaching standards removed from centres' licensing requirements.  NZEI says “ECE centres' profit margins are the winners here. Tamariki and teachers are the losers.”  Producer Evie spoke to early childhood educator and early childhood representative on the NZEI National Executive Zane McCarthy about why the proposed changes are such cause for concern.