95bFM: The Wire

On the 8th of November, a wildfire tore through 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park, before being extinguished four days later. The fire resulted in multiple walks in the region to be closed, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. However, as of today, many of these tracks have reopened. However, the full extent of the fire on the region's ecosystem is yet to be fully investigated. On Friday, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to George Perry, a Professor in the School of Environment at the University of Auckland, about this wildfire, and how detrimental this fire will be on the region's ecosystem, from what we are currently seeing

Last week saw the release of the Global Tobacco Interference Index. In it, Aotearoa ranked 53rd in the world - a whopping 52 places down from two years ago. This ranking two years ago was reflective of our robust anti-smoking laws - since the current coalition government has repealed them, however, that reputation has come seriously into question. These rankings now serve as a warning about the role that the tobacco industry plays in health policy, and New Zealand's failure to manage smoking and tobacco lobbying. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to Professor of Public Health at the University of Auckland, Chris Bullen, about the ranking, Tobacco influence in the government, and what it says about Smoking in New Zealand as a whole.  

Last Week, the government passed the regulatory standards bill into the regulatory standards act. Long controversial, failing to pass in its first three readings and subject to enormous opposition in submissions during the process, the law is the child of David Seymour's ACT party.   But now that this law has passed, these serious concerns are of urgency. Particularly there are loud concerns and criticisms of the primacy granted to corporate interests, in the face of te Tiriti o Waitangi and the environment. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to Greenpeace Campaigner Gen Toop about the bill passing, what it means for the environment, and what should be done in the face of this policy threat.  

A few weeks ago, Kelston Boys High School in West Auckland said they were at the front of an unsupported, attempted takeover to turn the school into a charter school. As well as this, more recently, the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport, a charter school set to be established next year, was signed with a trust that did not exist. Amendments have also been made to the Education and Training Act, removing a clause requiring school boards give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The move has seen backlash from the National Iwi Chairs Forum and a growing number of schools, who have launched a petition against the move.  Finally, the controversial Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its third reading and is now set to be implemented into law. The bill previously received 156,000 public submissions, with 98.7% of those voicing their opposition to the bill. For our weekly catch-up with ACT Party's Simon Court, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to him about these topics. They started off by asking Court about Kelston Boys High School and the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport, and how concerning these developments are for the ACT Party.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about charter schools, changes to the Education and Training Act, removing school boards' responsibilities to adhere to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the Regulatory Standards Bill passing into law. Producer Alex spoke to Greenpeace Campaigner Gen Toop about the passing of the Regulatory Standards Bill into an Act last week, and what it means for corporate interests over the environment in Aotearoa New Zealand. Joel spoke to George Perry, a Professor in the School of Environment at the University of Auckland, about the recent Tongariro wildfires that have devastated the region. And Alex spoke to Professor in Public Health at the University of Auckland, Chris Bullen, about New Zealand dropping in the Global Tobacco Interference Index rankings, and what that means for smoking policy and health in Aotearoa. Whakarongo mai!

This week was the start of the COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil.  Young people from across the globe are heavily involved in climate campaigning, but many face obstacles in being able to attend COP, particularly in being involved in the actual decision-making.   Wire Host Caeden spoke to Youth Environmentalist and member of the Youth Climate Justice Project, Sumaya Mohammed, who is attending COP next week, about young people's experiences with the climate talks. They also spoke to Aoife Daly, Professor of Law at University College Cork and Lead on the Youth Climate Justice Project, about her research into youth participation at COP. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about the expulsions of two Te Pāti Māori MPs, concerns about police leadership, and Chris Hipkins ‘socialist' label. For International Desk, they spoke to Youth Environmentalist Sumaya Mohammed and Lead on the Youth Climate Justice Project Aoife Daly about youth participation at COP30. For City Counselling, Producer Sanat talked to Councillor Shane Henderson about a proposed ban on Homelessness in the CBD and new committee appointments inside Auckland Council. He also talked to Kiwisaver Provider Simplicity's CEO Sam Stubbs about their new infrastructure proposal called Infrakiwi.

The infrastructure commission has identified that there is a $210 billion dollar infrastructure deficit in New Zealand. Unfortunately, due to the lack of available capital New Zealanders lose out on the advantages of high quality infrastructure and the wealth it can generate for the public good.  To respond to this Kiwisaver Manager Simplicity has created a new company called Infrakiwi. This company would be listed on the stock exchange and would only allow for New Zealanders to invest in it. This company would own and operate key infrastructure assets, generating long term risk adjusted returns and jobs for New Zealanders as well.  Thursday Wire Producer Sanat spoke to Simplicity's CEO Sam Stubbs about this proposal and what it means for future generations of New Zealanders

Similar to how Prime Ministers choose who their cabinet members are, the Mayor last week announced his appointments for committees in Auckland Council. Committees are powerful pieces of the Auckland Council machine, determining the direction on key policy issues around community assets, budgeting, transport and housing.  Notably different to his approach last term, the Mayor has opted to appoint key allies to committee chair roles. These are councilors who have had a good working relationship with the mayor over the last three years and will mean that there are less roadblocks when it comes to advancing his agenda.  At the same time the Mayor and Central Government are responding to increased complaints about anti-social behaviour in the CBD by considering laws and bylaws that would ban homelessness.  Critics of this policy note that such laws would not address the key drivers to poverty and housing need and would simply endanger those individuals experiencing homelessness further.  Thursday Wire Producer Sanat talked to Councilor Shane Henderson today about these committee appointments and this proposed ban on homelessness.

In an article on Newsroom, John Morgan, Head of the School Critical Studies and Education at the University of Auckland, discusses his belief that we are seeing a collapse in the country's curriculum accord. This comes as the government has announced a plethora of changes to the country's curriculum heading forward. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Morgan about the history of the curriculum accords in the country and why we are seeing changes in this space.

Recent tensions within Te Pāti Māori, which exploded into the light last month, have culminated in the expulsion of two rogue MPs: Mariameno Kapa-Kingi of Te Tai Tokerau and Tākuta Ferris of Te Tai Tonga. Despite this, much remains unresolved, and controversy lingers over the preceding actions, the manner in which they were communicated online, and how the expulsion was handled by the party leadership.  Wednesday Wire Producer Manny spoke with Jason Mika, Professor of Māori Management at the University of Auckland, to get his perspective on the expulsions.

This week on the Wednesday Wire: For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about government ministers announcing they are considering banning rough sleeping in Auckland's CBD, recent unemployment figures, and the government's action plan to combat meth usage. For this week's Get Action, Producer Manny spoke to JT from Touch Compass on their petition to Say YES to “Access” #YesToAccessNZ | Words shape world on their petition to replace inclusion with access. Manny spoke with Jason Mika, Professor of Māori Management at the University of Auckland, about the ructions within Te Pāti Māori. And News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with Professor John Morgan, The Head of the School Critical Studies and Education at the University of Auckland, about his article on Newsroom his belief that the country is seeing a collapse of the second curriculum accord. Whakarongo mai!

During an interview with the ‘Morning Report', Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that orders for the homeless in Auckland's CBD to move on were “definitely a consideration”. He later stated, that “Aucklanders don't feel safe going into the central city”, and both Central government and Auckland Council are considering how they can move homeless people out of the CBD ahead of summer.  This follows previous reports that the Government was considering a rough sleeping ban for central Auckland. This news comes as Stats NZ released their annual unemployment figures this week. The results show that national unemployment has risen to a nine-year high at 5.3%, with the New Zealand youth taking most of the damage. For our weekly catchup with The Green Party, Wednesday Wire Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March, to discuss the new unemployment figures released last week. They also spoke about the Government's new action plan to combat methamphetamine use. But first, they discussed what The Green Party thought about the Government's plan to decrease homelessness in the Auckland CBD

The government has been considering a ban on homeless people rough sleeping in central Auckland after dark.  Spokespeople from homelessness and poverty action groups have criticised the proposal for not effectively addressing the root causes of the crisis.  Producer Faith spoke to Aaron Hendry from the youth homelessness organisation Kick Back Make Change about the consideration, and its potential consequences

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin about the world's biggest spiderweb, bacteria movement, and the Marsden Fund Awards for 2025.  Journey into MOTAT this Sunday 16 November to celebrate all things train, tram and track with LIVE DAY: Rail! Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow.

Next week is the start of COP30, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This year it's taking place in Brazil. Earlier this week, the Trump Administration confirmed that no high-level Government representatives would be attending the climate talks. Trump has previously called the climate crisis a “hoax” and “con job”. For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Matt McDonald, Professor in the School of Political Science and International Studies, at the University of Queensland, about the lack of United States presence at COP30.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about the draft primary school curriculum, the Regulatory Standards Bill passing second reading, New Zealand First's proposed ban on fireworks, and the government considering measures to move rough sleepers out of the Auckland CBD.  For International Desk, they spoke to Matt McDonald, Professor of International Relations at the University of Queensland, about high-level United States officials not attending COP30 next week. Producer Jasmine spoke to 350 Aotearoa's Adam Currie about the government's recent announcement to delay the carbon zero climate target to 2050. And Producer Sanat talked to Councilor Julie Fairey about the latest developments with Plan Change 120 and what it feels like to transition from campaigning to governance He also talked to the University of Auckland's Dr Lucy Hardie about youth vaping and how it is widening inequalities throughout our communities.

Aotearoa's progress in reducing smoking has slowed for Māori, Pacific and European adolescents, and vaping could be the reason, according to research published  in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific  The study, conducted by researchers from the Universities of Otago, Auckland, and Sydney, along with the Daffodil Centre in Australia, analysed population-level data from almost 600,000 Year 10 students aged 14–15. The students were surveyed between 2003 and 2024 as part of the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Year 10 Survey. They found rates of regular smoking among 14-15-year-olds declined significantly for Māori, Pacific, European, and Asian adolescents between 2003 and 2024. However, these declines in smoking slowed for Māori, Pacific, and European youth after vaping emerged in 2010. Thursday Wire Producer Sanat spoke to the University of Auckland's Dr Lucy Hardie about these findings and what the response needs to look like from policy makers in order to mitigate the predicted harms.

Plan change 120, a new plan that seeks to allow for up to 2 million new dwellings in high density zones across mass rapid corridors throughout the city is currently up for public consultation.  Although hotly contested during the election period, it seems as if the city is on its way to unlocking high density development and a strengthening of its urban landscape against natural hazards.  Thursday Wire Producer Sanat talked to councilor Julie Fairey today about the consultation process, how people can get involved and what they should know about the plan change. Sanat also talked to her about the process of going from being a candidate to actually starting a role in council, what the inauguration looks like and how the Auckland Council building feels as new Councillors settle in for their term.

Earlier this week the government announced changes to climate change policy, with a controversial response to the choice to delay the Carbon Neutral Government Programme benchmark from 2025 to 2050.   The move also shifts dynamics of decision-making and consultation. The government has removed the requirement of advisory from the Climate Change Commission when developing emissions budgets, significantly altering the influence of the cross-partisan collective established through the Zero Carbon Act in 2019.   Producer Jasmine Gray spoke with Adam Currie, Campaigner and Movement Support Manager for climate organisation 350 Aotearoa, about these changes.  

Over recent weeks, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been busy touring South-East Asia, in the hopes of negotiating various trade deals and securing meetings with other world leaders. In his returning press conference, where he recapped his trip, the Prime Minister focused on the importance of securing a 1-on-1 meeting with US President Donald Trump. For our weekly catch up with the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke to him about the Prime Minister's trip. They also discussed the Green Party's plans for an evidence-based cannabis regulation and whether they would campaign with that policy for next year's election, as well as the new draft school curriculum released by the government, and the subsequent plans to shrink the teaching council. But first, they discussed whether Luxon's trip to South-East Asia was a success.

The US-brokered ceasefire was signed almost four weeks ago and officially came into effect in Gaza on the 10th of October 2025.  Here are some key events that have happened since this date: On the 14th of October, there were reports of a wave of public executions by Hamas and rival armed groups. The same day, Israel began to limit aid into Gaza once more due to disputes over the remaining hostages. On the 19th of October, two Israeli soldiers were killed in a Rafah explosion, then Israel retaliated with air-strikes that killed 45 Palestinians. On the 21st of October, US vice president JD Vance said that the ceasefire was in a “very good place”. On the 29th of October, Israel launched overnight airstrikes into Gaza that killed at least 104 Palestinians, Israel claimed the attack was to target military infrastructure. Yesterday, Hamas returned the remains of the final 3 hostages to Israel. And finally, the former Israeli military advocate general was arrested in Israel yesterday for admitting to leaking the August 2024 video of Israeli soldiers committing war crimes. So, how valid is the US-brokered ceasefire? Well that's exactly what Wednesday Wire Host Max discussed with John Minto, co-chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

Over the past few months, unions have been sounding the alarm about the state of our healthcare system as the government cuts funding and guts staff numbers. Now, a new threat has emerged that risks stretching our resources even thinner. A measles outbreak has reared into the community with cases climbing to 17 in just a week, with potentially thousands exposed. To understand how much of risk the outbreak is likely to pose to the country Wednesday Wire Producer Manny spoke to Chris Puliuvea, Senior Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology.

National elections are a year away, and polling suggests that Labour has surpassed National to become the most popular party but would likely need to gain further support if they wish to form a government. One of the top issues for voters is Healthcare, and in their first policy release, Labour is proposing funding three free GP visits with a limited Capital Gains Tax (CGT). They say this should improve our national health while also directing investment away from the property market and into productive local businesses. Wednesday Wire Producer Manny spoke to Glenn Barclay, Chairperson of Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign about Labours proposed policy.

This week on the Wednesday Wire: For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's trip to South-East Asia where he met with multiple world leaders, The Green Party's plans to call for evidence-based cannabis regulation, the government's new draft school curriculum for years 0-10, and Education Minister Erica Stanford announcing plans to shrink the Teaching Council. Producer Manny spoke with Glenn Barclay, Chairperson of Tax Justice Aotearoa and The Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign, about Labour's Limited Capital Gains Tax Proposal. Manny also spoke with Chris Puliuvea, Senior Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, about the current measles outbreak in Aotearoa. And Max spoke with John Minto, co-chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, to discuss the current state of the Gaza ceasefire almost four weeks since it came into effect, as well as the news of an Israeli military lawyer being arrested, after admitting to leaking the August 2024 video of Israeli soldiers.

The future of Palestinian leadership remains unclear as the current Palestinian Authority leader, Mahmoud Abbas, remains unpopular and heavily criticised.  One candidate for leadership is Marwan Barghouti, who has been described as a Nelson Mandela-like leader for Palestine. However, he has been imprisoned in Israel since 2004, facing ill-treatment and torture.  Wire Host Caeden spoke to Professor Amin Saikal, Middle East Analyst at Australian National University, about Marwan Barghouti and the broader leadership crisis in Palestine.

The Government has finally released its long coveted curriculum rewrite for subjects ranging from Science to Drama. The new curriculum has faced growing criticism from sections of the education sector, with some calling the new curricula old fashioned, criticising it for sidelining Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Maori Knowledge  Thursday Wire Producer Sanat spoke to Professor of Maori Education Georgina Stuart about her views on the changes specifically to New Zealand's Science Curriculum and whether those changes are fit for purpose.

Thousands of households across the country are currently in rates arrears, struggling to pay their rates for the 2024/2025 financial year.  Auckland Council's head of rates, valuations and data management, Rhonwen Heath, said 6.6 percent of rates, or 42,902 households were outstanding at the start of the 2025/2026 year. As cost of living pressures continue to grow on households, with rising food, electricity and rents, Thursday Wire Producer Sanat wanted to chat to Auckland Councilor Shane Henderson about how Auckland Council plays a role in making life more affordable for everyday Aucklanders. They also had a discussion about the role of fireworks in our community, with major festivals like Diwali prompting some communities to express concern about the disruption that fireworks are causing to their families, animals and the natural environment.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with Willow-Jean Prime about Labour's capital gains tax policy and the defunding of Te Karere and The Hui. For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Professor Amin Saikal, Middle East Analyst at Australian National University, on Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti and the responsibility of Israel for the leadership vacuum in Gaza and the West Bank.  Producer Jasmine spoke to Dr. Helen Murray, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Brain Injury & Neurodegeneration Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, on the recommendation to delay our tamariki starting contact sports until their early teens to reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases later in life.  Producer Sanat spoke to councillor Shane Henderson about people who are struggling to pay their rates, and regulations around fireworks.  He also spoke to AUT's Professor of Maori Philosophy of Education Georgina Stuart on the new changes to New Zealand's Science Curriculum.

  International research to understand the relationship between degenerative brain diseases and head knocks that occur in contact sports continues to develop, with New Zealand researchers calling for a delay for children's involvement in contact sports until they are older. Risk factors are not exclusive to concussions, or to professional players. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Dr. Helen Murray, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Brain Injury & Neurodegeneration Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, about the recommendation to delay contact sports to reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases later in life.

This week on the Wednesday Wire: For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about Labour's new capital gains tax, slashing of funding for the Māori news organisation's The Hui and Te Karere, and the party's campaigning plans one year away from the next general election. And Joel spoke with Lisa Darragh, a Senior Curriculum and Pedagogy Researcher at the University of Auckland, about the government's new maths curriculum of years 0 - 10. And Producer Manny spoke with James Russell, Professor of Conservation Biology at the University of Auckland and Peter Morton, Coordinator of the Department of Conservation's predator control program about an impending explosion of predator populations. Whakarongo mai!

Recently, the Labour Party have unveiled their capital gains tax (CGT) policy. The policy only targets properties, with the exception of family homes, and farms. The tax policy, according to Labour, will supply all New Zealanders with three free doctor visits yearly. For our weekly catch up with the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to him about Labour's CGT policy, and what the Green's think of it. They also discussed the funding cuts for the Māori news organisation's Te Karere and The Hui, as well as how the Green Party will be campaigning 1 year out from the next general election. But first, they discussed Labour's CGT policy.

The Ministry of Education has recently revealed their new draft math's curriculum for years 0 - 10, making this new curriculum the third in three years. In announcing the move, Education Minister, Erica Stanford, says the new curriculum is another step forward for the country producing a world-leading system for all students. However, the new curriculum has faced criticism, such as around the amount of time educators are expected to have implemented the new curriculum. As a result, multiple open letters have been sent to the government. In an open letter from 44 maths education experts yesterday, they say the changes “seem more political than educational”. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Lisa Darragh, a Senior Curriculum and Pedagogy Researcher at the University of Auckland, about this new curriculum and what her thoughts are on it.

The University of Auckland's Ngā Ara Whetū – the Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, are hosting a Blue & Green technology conference at the beginning of December looking at how technology can be a part of a climate-resilient future for New Zealand.  Host Sara spoke with Professor Jacqueline Beggs, the co-executive director of Ngā Ara Whetū, who is organising the event.  She started by asking what the Blue & Green tech conference is all about

The results of this year's Te Taunaki Public Service Census highlight that almost a third of disabled public servants felt discriminated against at work. The Human Rights Commission's disability rights commissioner Prudence Walker believes that the results highlight the need for more support towards public sector workers living with disabilities.  Producer Faith spoke to Prudence about the discriminations faced, and how we can achieve a shift in attitude, rather than just strengthening laws.

Today, about 100,000 public sector employees are going on strike. The action has been labelled as a “mega strike”, as it includes teachers, nurses and other public sector workers who are calling for better pay, staffing levels, and working conditions. The government is strong against the strike, with Public Services Minister Judith Collins issuing an open letter, which she called the action “politically motivated.” Rob Campbell, who has a background in trade unionism, business leadership, governance and public service, wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with his view on how the government should be responding to the strikes. Wire Host Caeden spoke to Campbell about the strike and his letter.

October 13th is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction with the United Nations. The day focuses on the rising cost of disasters, as well as disaster risks, including the impact of climate change and development choices.  Fatma Özdoğan, PhD Candidate and Researcher at the University of Montreal, co-wrote an article on this topic, focused on the impact of how we talk about disasters, with Professor Ali Asgary of York University.  Wire Host Caeden spoke to Özdoğan for International Desk.

Labour has launched its first key election policy, a fund that would invest in New Zealand businesses and infrastructure. Labour's health spokesperson, Dr Ayesha Verrall, has also released Labour's policy for a new approach to funding GPs. And thousands of teachers and healthcare workers are going on strike today, with weather-dependent rallies across Aotearoa.  For our weekly catch-up with Labour, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.

A new term for Tāmaki Makaurau's city council is rolling out amidst sizeable public transport changes for the city. Namely, the restructuring of responsibility that transfers primary policy and planning powers to council and leaves transport delivery responsibilities to Auckland Transport.    It has also been announced that 4162 of the approximately 10,000 special votes in the recent Auckland election were deemed invalid due to outdated enrolment details, or missing and incorrect declarations on voting forms.    I spoke to Councillor Fairey about her thoughts on the future of Auckland's transport systems and policy in the coming years, and her concerns around disenfranchisement of local democracy in light of the large number of discounted votes.   

Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling for a permanent fix to New Zealand's School Lunch Programme.   The current contract is being delivered by provider ‘The School Lunch Collective', after National axed the prior Ka Ako, Ka Ora programme model. This latest iteration of the school lunches programme has seen smaller meals, lower nutritional quality, and disengagement from community-based providers.    Currently, the funding for the government's school lunch programme is due to end in late 2026, with no proposed initiatives in its place.   Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Dr. Kelly Garton about the inefficacies of the current contract, and the urgent need to invest in this support for our rangatahi.  

Tomorrow, we are set to see what could be the largest strike in last 40 years, as seperate unions representing nurses, teachers and many more come together to put pressure on the government to take their negotiations seriously. In total, it'll likely be around 100,000 kiwis pushing for better working conditions. Frequent in their demands are requests for better pay that has been eroded by the inflation of the past few years, as well as safer staffing levels, as many professionals vacate the New Zealand workforce for better working conditions in Australia, leaving our hospitals, schools, and workplaces understaffed. To discuss the upcoming Mega-Strike, Wednesday Wire Producer Manny spoke with Fleur Fitzsimons, the Natioal Secretary of the Public Service Association. 

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez March about the mega strike happening tomorrow, the Labour Party releasing their first major policy ahead of next year's general election, and the government moving forward with their Roads of National Significance programme. Max also spoke with Paul Taillon, a senior lecturer in US History from the University of Auckland, to discuss the recent court win by United States President Donald Trump in his attempts to deploy the national guard in democratic cities. Producer Manny spoke with Fleur Fitzsimons, the National Secretary of the Public Service Association, to discuss the upcoming mega strikes and why so many unions are facing the same problem. And Producer Vihan spoke to the President of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists, Hadyn Treanor, and a couple of university students about the government's proposed changes to the driver licence system, and what the reduction of eye exams needed for class one license holders means for the future of New Zealand drivers.