95bFM: The Wire

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95bFM's daily News and Current Affairs hour. Sherry Zhang, Justin Wong, Lillian Hanly, Mary-Margaret Slack and Laura Kvigstad bring you the issues from Tāmaki Makaurau and elsewhere, in independent-thinking bFM style.

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    Latest episodes from 95bFM: The Wire

    The Stop Data Centres NZ Protest in Auckland : 18 August 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026


    Last week saw protests around the country by the Stop Data Centres NZ movement. Protesters in Auckland gathered outside the Data Centre Leaders Summit held on Symonds Street against the creation of Data Centres in New Zealand, which many worry will lead to negative environmental, health and economic impacts.  I spoke to protesters including Shane McCoy, Alby Barr and Daymond Goulder-Horobin, about why these protests have been organised, what their concerns about data centres are, and what impact they hope this action will have. 

    Vice President of the Federated Farmers kept on the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee w/ SAFE Campaign Manager Emily Hall: 18th August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026


    Last month National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, or NAWAC, member Sandra Faulkner confirmed that despite being elected as Vice President of the Federated Farmers she would continue her role on the committee. This has raised serious concerns of conflict of interest, NAWAC is meant to provide independent advice to the minister responsible for animal welfare while Federated Farmers is a lobby and advisory group which often pushes for policies which try impact the commercial use of animals. To discuss the decision to allow Faulkner to remain on the committee and what impacts the conflict of interest could have producer Thomas talked to SAFE Campaign Manager Emily Hall.  

    Conservation Amendment Bill Protests w/ Greenpeace Policy Advisor Gen Toop: 18th August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026


    Last Saturday over 30 protests against the conservation amendment bill were held across the country.  While the government has already made changes to the bill due to public lash back, removing a clause which would allow for the sale of large amounts of conservation land, protestors believe the bill still places an unnecessary prioritisation of economic development on conservation land. With protests continuing next month with the Auckland march on nature, pressure on the government looks set to continue until significant changes are made To discuss the protests against the conservation amendment bill, producer Thomas spoke to Greenpeace policy advisor Gen Toop.  

    The Wire w/ Castor: 17th August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2026


    This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about tensions in the National Party leadership, and ACT Party proposals for a local tourism dividend and voluntary student services fees. Also on voluntary student services fees, Castor spoke to president of the Victoria University of Wellington's Students Association, Aidan Donoghue, about what such a policy could do to student life on campus.  This week, Producer Pranuja spoke to University of Otago public health researcher Dr John Kerr about medical misinformation, distrust in the health system, and how social media and generative AI can shape treatment decisions. She also spoke to University of Auckland marketing lecturer Katherine Jensen about how AI and platform algorithms influence who sees political advertising, and what that could mean for voters heading into the election.

    National Party leadership, a local tourism dividend, and voluntary student services fees w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 17th August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2026


    Last week saw the National Party go through a period of suspected internal conflict, after a leadership challenge was mounted against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Following a multi-hour long caucus meeting, Luxon spoke to media, claiming he has the full support of his caucus. National MP and former minister Chris Penk was subsequently stripped of his portfolios. The incident has raised concerns over Luxon's ability to lead both his party and the country, especially as this is not the first leadership vote this year.  Also last week, the ACT Party proposed two new policies they would campaign on in the leadup to this year's election. First, thanks to calls for a bed levy in Auckland, ACT has instead posed a local tourism dividend that would come directly out of central government funding. They say this dividend would be better suited to address the problem of local government funds for tourism and arts/culture, though some have been sceptical.  The second ACT party proposal is to make student services fees at universities voluntary, so that students can choose the services they'd like to pay for from a checklist.  To discuss each of these issues News Director Castor spoke with the ACT Party's Simon Court, beginning with the National Party leadership. 

    Concerns over proposals to make student service fees voluntary w/ VUWSA President Aidan Donoghue: 17th August 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2026


    The ACT Party has announced plans to campaign on a policy of making student service fees voluntary. These fees contribute to student events, student media, and various other services across campus. The ACT Party believes it is unfair to charge students for services they may not use, instead offering a tickbox system so that people can opt to pay for the services they prefer. The policy is one ACT says would benefit students, though multiple student organisations across the country have pushed back.  To discuss their concerns, News Director Castor spoke to President of VUWSA, Aidan Donoghue, about how making these fees voluntary could impact student life on campus.

    Medical Misinformation and Trust in Healthcare w/ Dr John Kerr: August 17th 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2026


    A recent New Zealand case report has highlighted the potential consequences of medical misinformation, after a nine-year-old developed serious complications when prescribed antibiotics were not used as directed. But the case may point to something broader than a single false claim online, with distrust in doctors, the health system and government institutions also shaping how people make decisions about treatment. Producer Pranuja spoke to University of Otago public health researcher Dr John Kerr about how medical mistrust develops, the role social media plays in amplifying it, and how health professionals can respond without pushing hesitant patients further away. She started by asking about the case and how medical misinformation played a role in it.

    Algorithms and Political Advertising w/ Katherine Jensen: August 17th 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2026


    An RNZ analysis of election-year Facebook and Instagram advertising has found a clear gender divide in who is seeing different parties' ads, with National and ACT reaching more men and the Greens reaching more women. But political parties do not have complete control over those audiences, with Meta's algorithms also deciding who is most likely to see and engage with particular messages. Producer Pranuja spoke to University of Auckland marketing lecturer Katherine Jensen about how AI and platform algorithms are shaping political advertising, whether voters are being shown increasingly different versions of the same campaign, and whether New Zealand's election rules are keeping up.

    Nat's Problems Leading w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March: 12th August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


    As we recorded our Green Party Catchup this morning, the National Party was just about to sit down for a Caucus Meeting to once again test the support for sitting party leader, Chistopher Luxon.. But what has motivated such a crisis in the party leadership? Was it the seemingly spur-of-the-moment captain calls by Luxon to rule out the Opportunity Party and put forward a third Referendum on MMP? Or was it the lack of pushback against comments from their coalition partner, NZFirst. Two weeks ago, NZFirst Leader directed comments in the House against Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan, targeting his Chinese heritage, suggesting everyone in China lied. This created a huge amount of criticism both locally and internationally, making headlines across the Globe, not least as Peters is the coalition's Foreign Minister. But consequences the minister who unleashed sho much damage? Nill. So for this week's catch-up with the Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March, we discuss the ructions within the National Party, the fallout from New Zealand First's racially charged comments targeting him and his colleague, Lawrence Xu-Nan, and changes to jobseeker that he'd like to see.  

    The Wire w/ Manny: 12 August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


    This week on the Wednesday Wire... A National Party leadership vote casts its vote over the show. For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the ructions within the National Party, the fallout of New Zealand First's racially charged comments targeted at him and his colleague, Lawrence Xu-Nan, and jobseeker policy changes that he'd like to see. Producer Jude spoke to the University of Auckland, Senior Lecturer, Dr. Ulrich Speidel about what AI should be used for.  And for this week's Get Action, producer Theo spoke to Layba Zubair on her campaign to progress affirmative consent law reform.  

    COVID-19 Inquiry recommendations and problems with politics in public health w/ Professor Michael Baker: 3rd August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2026


    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.

    The Wire w/ Castor: 3rd August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2026


    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.

    NZ First's derogatory comments and the merits of plug-in solar panels w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 3rd August, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2026


    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.

    The Wire w/ Thomas: 28th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026


    This week on the Tuesday Wire... For Dear Science this week, we chat with our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin, about a new giant salamander that lived over 3 million years ago being described in Japan, fungi which can eat polystyrene and how sperm whales sleep vertically.  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, news director Castor spoke with MP Ryan Hamilton about comments by Stuart Nash and New Zealand's climate targets. Host Thomas spoke to PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons about the employment leave bill and the 200,000 workers it might make worse off. And Producer Liam spoke to Dr Kerry McInerney, a computer science lecturer from the University of Auckland, about public perceptions towards AI Data Centres in New Zealand.

    Public Perceptions of AI Data Centres in New Zealand w/ Dr Kerry McInerney : 28 July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026


    Over the weekend, the Green Party announced their proposal to have a one year national moratorium on the consenting of new Artificial Intelligence Data Centres until proper regulations have been set up. Consent for a 3.5 billion dollar hyperscale AI data centre has already been approved for Southland, which is set to be the second highest consumer of electricity in the country, requiring 280 MW of power. While supporters claim that it will bring in jobs and allow New Zealand to be at the forefront of the AI industry, many have raised concerns about the harm it could cause to New Zealand's natural environment, the strain it will put on our energy and water resources, and the fact that projects have been seemingly approved with little public consultation.  I spoke to Dr Kerry McInerney from the School of Computer Science at the University of Auckland, about public perceptions towards AI Data Centres in New Zealand, concerns that have been raised and whether there can be a social license for data centres to be implemented.

    Employment leave bill may leave 200,000 workers worse off w/ PSA National Security Fleur Fitzsimons: 28th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026


    Workplace relations minister Brooke van Velden's employment leave bill is set for its third reading today. The bill is meant to replace the Holidays Act and move to a hours-based accrual system with a leave compensation payment for additional and casual hours. The Public Service Association has spoken out against the bill, calculating that it could leave up to 200,000 workers worse off due to the change to overtime payments. Over half of those negatively affected workers are in the healthcare sector. Van Velden has denied the calculation saying it wouldn't be accurate as the new bill only sets new minimum standards, meaning worker conditions may stay the same. The PSA has accused the government of feigning ignorance of the harm the bill will cause. To discuss the employment leave bill and the 200,000 workers who may be worse off, host Thomas spoke to PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.  

    Firefighters, inflation, and fuel security w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 27th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2026


    An ongoing inquiry into Fire and Emergency NZ has identified that the organisation is making multiple questionable spending decisions. Not only are equipment and vehicles for firefighters underfunded, but higher-ups are consistently seeing pay bumps.  Also on firefighting, Labour's Kieran McAnulty recently had his member's bill drawn, which would see volunteer firefighters covered by ACC for injuries.  Last week saw an announcement that inflation has reached a two year high, mostly due to the ongoing fuel crisis thanks to the US/Iran conflict. As the conflict wears on, pressure is on the government to improve fuel resilience and expand our use of renewable energy. For our weekly catchup with ACT's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with Fire and Emergency NZ funding.

    The Wire w/ Castor: 27th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2026


    This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about Fire and Emergency NZ, ACC cover for firefighters, inflation at a two year high, and improving Aotearoa's fuel resilience.  They also spoke to Professor of Communications, Mohan Dutta from Massey University about a Facebook post from the ACT Party's Parmjeet Parmar criticising a University of Auckland lecturer.  And they spoke to E tū director Mat Danaher about a proposed digital restructure at Stuff and broader trends at media organisations looking to digitise jobs.  And Producer Pranuja spoke to Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe about the Climate Change Commission's warning that New Zealand is off track to meet its emissions targets, and whether the Government's climate policy changes are responsible.

    Proposed Stuff Digital restructure w/ E tū director Mat Danaher: 27th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2026


    News media company Stuff is proposing a restructure to its digital team, with up to eight cuts. The announcement follows cuts across different news organisations in Aotearoa, with Newshub and Re: News announcing closures and job cuts at multiple other organisations.  E tū has raised concerns over the cuts in particular, noting the importance of well staffed news organisations in holding the government accountable and keeping people up to date on current affairs.  To discuss E tū's concerns, News Director Castor spoke to the organisation's director Mat Danaher.

    Unpacking ACT's criticisms of academics w/ Professor of Communications Mohan Dutta: 27th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2026


    One week ago, ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar posted on Facebook to criticise University of Auckland Law Lecturer Treasa Dunworth over her comments about the ACT Party and the Treaty Principles Bill. The post generated a multitude of responses - many supportive of Dunworth and many criticising her teaching style and suggesting she should be fired.  In an article released also last week, the situation was compared to broader international movements criticising academics for speaking out against culture-war issues.  To discuss the issue, how it works in Aotearoa, and what it might mean for academics, News Director Castor spoke to the article's author, Professor of Communications Mohan Dutta.

    Has New Zealand's Climate Progress Stalled? w/ Greenpeace's Will Appelbe: July 27th 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2026


    A new report from the Climate Change Commission has warned that New Zealand is no longer on track to meet its emissions-reduction targets, with agricultural methane identified as a significant risk. Greenpeace says the findings reflect a series of climate policy reversals by the Luxon Government, including the return of offshore oil and gas exploration, the removal of the Clean Car Discount and changes to methane targets. To discuss whether New Zealand's climate progress has stalled and what would be needed to get the country back on track, Producer Pranuja spoke with Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe.

    The Wire w/ Caeden: 23 July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026


    For City Counselling, Wire Hosr Caeden spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about Council passing amendments to Plan Change 120 earlier this week and the Regional Historic Heritage Grant opening for applications.  For our Politics with Māni Dunlop from Te Ao Māori News, they asked about the Government scrapping Mana Whakahono ā Rohe iwi-council agreements, the latest Jobseeker numbers from the Ministry of Social Development, and rising inflation. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Shanan Halbert about inflation, Fire and Emergency NZ, and criticisms of move-on orders.

    Politics w/ Māni Dunlop: 23 July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026


    The Government has scrapped Mana Whakahono ā Rohe council-iwi agreements, with Resource Management Reform Minister Chris Bishop rejecting claims the change is racist. Jobseeker numbers remain amongst the highest recorded in the past five years, with Māori continuing to be disproportionately represented. And inflation has risen to its highest level in two years.  For Politics with Māni Dunlop of Te Ao Māori News, Wire Host Caeden asked about these topics.

    Links between nitrate in drinking water and pre-term births w/ Associate Professor Tim Chambers: 20th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2026


    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.

    Impacts of proposed move-on orders on children and young people w/ Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad: 20th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2026


    The government's move-on orders policy has been under some scrutiny, with primary criticisms claiming that it does not adequately address the issue or that it unreasonably punishes the most disadvantaged groups in society.  To discuss the specific impacts that the policy would have on Aotearoa's young people, the impacts of homelessness more broadly, and how we can better manage the issue, News Director Castor spoke to Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad.

    The Wire w/ Castor: 20th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2026


    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.

    Paul Henry, default union membership, and the ban on puberty blockers w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 20th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2026


    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.

    Under-16 Social Media Bans and Youth Mental Health w/ Dr Terryann Clark: July 20th 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2026


    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.

    Department of Internal Affairs workers striking w/ PSA National Secretary: 16th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026


    Workers at the Department of Internal Affairs went on strike on Monday, over a pay offer from the government which does not match the increased cost of living.  To discuss the importance of the Department of Internal Affairs, why workers are striking, and how the government is responding, Tuesday Wire host Alex spoke to National Secretary of the Public Service Association, Duane Leo.

    The Economic Contribution of Kiwi Indians in New Zealand w/ Waitakere Indian Association: July 17th 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026


    A new Infometrics report, commissioned by the Waitākere Indian Association, estimates that Kiwi-Indian businesses, households, international students and visitors contributed $37.3 billion to GDP in the year to March 2025. The report highlights the economic power of Kiwi-Indians and argues that New Zealand could be making better use of the community's skills, calling for improved recognition of overseas qualifications and greater support for migrant-owned businesses. The report launched in Auckland just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in 40 years. Producer Pranuja attended the launch and spoke to community leaders, economists and politicians about what the findings mean and whether closer ties with India will translate into meaningful benefits for Kiwi Indians. Producer Pranuja spoke to President of the Waitākere Indian Association Sunil Kaushal, Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics Brad Olsen, Secretary of the Waitākere Indian Association Sanjay Dutt Sharma, Labour's immigration spokesperson and Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford, and Minister for Auckland, Revenue, Climate Change and Local Government Simon Watts. To find out more on the report, go to kiwiindians.nz.

    New Research on the Impact of High Housing Costs w/ Child Poverty Action Group's Greg Waite: 16 July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026


    The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) have released two new research papers outlining the impact of high housing costs.  The reports show that housing costs are leaving families without enough income to cover essentials, particularly as the supply of affordable rental homes decreases across the motu.  Wire Host Caeden spoke to research author Greg Waite about the findings.

    The Wire w/ Caeden: 16 July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026


    Wire Host Caeden spoke to Child Poverty Action Group Housing Researcher Greg Waite about two new reports from the organisation on the cost of housing.  Tuesday Wire Host Alex spoke to National Secretary of the Public Service Association, Duane Leo, about Department of Internal Affairs workers striking on Monday.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Pranuja spoke with Shanan Halbert about the 6% Tertiary fee increase and Indian Prime Ministers Narendra Modi's visit last friday. And Waitakere Indian Association released The Economic Contribution of Kiwi Indians in New Zealand commissioned by Informetrics. Pranuja attended the launch and interviewed community leaders about the impact of these figures for the Kiwi Indian Diaspora.

    Road Plans and Modi Protests w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March: 15th July, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026


      Ahead of the CRL's much anticipated opening later this year, many people have been reflecting on how expensive it has become to produce infrastructure in New Zealand and the waste that goes into projects that are thrown out after a change in government. Consensus seems to be building around the need for a consistent pipeline that staggers works to maintain a consistent flow for industry and build agreement across parliament. This week has seen the government introduce their Major Transport Projects Pipeline, or MTPP which in many ways motions towards this debate while also taking a step back from many roads whose costs have ballooned. But how do opposition parties feel about this this Policy? Has agreement been found? And this week, the visit of controversial Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked opposition from two radically differing sides, from those concerned with India's human rights record to those hostile to migration from India. So for this week's catch-up with the Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March, we discuss the Green Party's issues with the new MTPP and the political climate that has surrounded Modi's visit.  

    The Wire w/ Castor: 22nd June, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2026


    This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to ACT MP Simon Court about selling conservation land, youth unemployment, and arts and culture funding for Auckland's CBD.  Producer Thomas spoke to University of Auckland Professor of conservation biology James Russell, about the Conservation Amendment Bill. He also talked to University of Auckland Professor Dr Sally Mackay about making food health star ratings mandatory. And Producer Jude spoke to Auckland University senior research fellow, Dr Sarah-Jane Guild about the development of wireless brain sensors.

    Making food health star ratings mandatory w/ University of Auckland Professor Dr Sally Mackay: 22nd June, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2026


    Food Standards Australia New Zealand is currently consulting on a proposal to make health star ratings mandatory, with the present voluntary system coming under fire. Currently, only 36% of eligible packaged foods in New Zealand display a health star rating, well short of the 70% goal set by food ministers in November 2025.  Additionally, a recent briefing by the Public Health Communication Centre had nutrition experts arguing that labels can help improve dietary choices, encourage product reformulation and strengthen transparency. Front-of-pack nutrition labelling is also recommended by the World Health Organisation. To discuss making food health star ratings mandatory, producer Thomas spoke to University of Auckland Professor Dr Sally Mackay.  

    The Development of Tiny Wireless Brain Sensor w/ University of Auckland Senior Research Fellow Dr Sarah-Jane Guild: 22nd June, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2026


    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.

    Conservation Amendment Bill w/ University of Auckland Professor James Russell: 22nd June, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2026


    After passing its first reading in May submissions are currently open for the conservation amendment bill, which would see up to 60 percent of current conservation land become open for sale as long as it's not considered important for threatened species.  Additionally, the bill adds a new responsibility to the Department of Conservation to recognise and enable economic opportunities as much as possible from the land and resources it manages. The bill has faced significant public pushback, with a recent poll finding that 64% of New Zealanders oppose it, including the majority of the current government coalition's regular voters. With submissions closing on the 2nd of July, producer Thomas spoke to University of Auckland Professor of conservation biology James Russell about the bill and its contentious proposals.

    Should Paramedics Be Able to Prescribe Medicines? w/ Professor Bruce Arroll: June 18th 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026


    The Government is considering expanding prescribing powers for emergency paramedics, allowing them to prescribe certain medicines, including antibiotics, for conditions such as respiratory and ear infections.  Supporters say the move could improve access to healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, but some experts are warning that stronger safeguards are needed to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and growing antimicrobial resistance.  Producer Pranuja spoke with Professor Bruce Arroll from the University of Auckland about the safeguards needed with this policy to protect public health.

    Assessing outcomes for Māori in state care and protection w/ Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad: 18th June, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026


    Last week, the Independent Childrens Monitor Aroturuki Tamariki released its second annual report on outcomes for Māori in the care and protection system. The report looks at the existing context of Māori children and young people's struggles in state care systems, and assesses current outcomes. It examines what is currently being done to support Māori within the system, and what more could be done to remediate the current inequities.  To discuss the report, and what more New Zealand's protection and care systems could be doing to support our tamariki Māori, News Director Castor spoke to the Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad.  

    The Wire w/ Castor: 18th June, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026


    This week on the Thursday Wire... For City Counselling, News Director Castor spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about Labour's $20 fare cap policy, proposed scenarios for changes to PC 120, and Council's plans for Matariki.  They also spoke to Director of Wellbeing, System Leadership, Data, and Insights at Te Hiringa Mahara, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Dr Ella Cullen, about the state of Mental Health services in Aotearoa. And they spoke to the Children's Commissioner, Claire Achmad, about a recent Aroturuki Tamariki report on Māori outcomes in the care and protection system.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Pranuja spoke with Shanan Halbert about the Government's Jobseeker target, and the fallout from the Immigration New Zealand controversy.   She also spoke with Professor Bruce Arroll from the University of Auckland about the proposed prescribing powers for paramedics and the safeguards needed to protect public health.

    The state of Aotearoa's Mental Health Services w/ Te Hiringa Mahara's Dr. Ella Cullen: 18th June, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026


    Te Hiringa Mahara, the mental health and wellbeing commission, released a system report on Tuesday this week. The report looks into the state of mental health services in Aotearoa - whether they adequately provide for everyone, who falls through the cracks, and what kind of improvements could be made.  To discuss the findings from the report, News Director Castor spoke to Director of Wellbeing, System Leadership, Data, and Insights at Te Hiringa Mahara, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Dr Ella Cullen, about the state of Mental Health services in Aotearoa.

    The Wire w/ Manny: 17th June, 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026


    This week on the Wednesday Wire... For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the call for a budgetary office, the growing wealth disparity, and gig workers rights.  Producer Theo spoke to the Executive Director of Transparency International New Zealand, Julie Haggie, on the regulation of political donations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Then, for this week's Get Action, Theo spoke to the Sudan Advocacy Network Aotearoa's Fatima Sanussi, on their petition to urgently establish a Sudan Special Humanitarian Visa Pathway. Finally, Producer Toby spoke to Dr. Chris Wilson and Michal Dziwulski about their new book ‘He Told Us,' examining the 2019 Christchurch terrorist attack.

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