95bFM: The Wire

Yesterday, the Ministry of Health released its HIV Monitoring Report to mark World AIDS Day. The report tracks New Zealand's goals towards the country's National HIV Action Plan 2023-2030. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Peter Saxton, an Associate Professor in Social, the School fo Population Health and HIV researcher at the University of Auckland, about the report, and where the country is at in combating HIV transmissions.

From today until the 4th of December, a conference will be held in Queenstown that will look into pest management and how best to protect native species. The event not only brings experts in the sector from Aotearoa, but will also involve Australian experts as well. Tuesday Wire Host Sara spoke to Dr Sze-Wing Yiu, a Wildlife Ecologist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, about this week's conference, and what to expect.

Recently, the government has announced some major reforms to how regional councils operate, with regional councillors proposed to be replaced by boards made up of city and regional mayors, and potentially even Crown-appointed representatives, called combined territories boards, or CTBs. As well as this, Health Minister, Simeon Brown, has called for the decentralisation of Health New Zealand, with the expectation that the entity focuses on deliveries closer to the front-line, additionally expecting a plan to do so by the end of the year. For our weekly catch up with the National Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to MP Stuart Smith about these topics, starting with the regional council.

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin chats with us about food waste and strategies for limiting food waste and E.coli being used to create rainbow dye. Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow! Christmas Lights at MOTAT - experience Auckland's most magical Christmas lights - heritage trams, festive music, Santa visits, and thousands of sparkling lights Tickets at motat.nz 

A new study by the University of Auckland has shown rising levels of burnout within the Pacific community. The research is the first large-scale study to examine burnout within New Zealand-born Pasifika adults between the age of 18 to 65.  The study found that 90 per cent of the adults experienced burnout, with almost 50 per cent experiencing burnout repeatedly.  Producer Vihan spoke to University of Auckland Doctoral Candidate Asetoa Sam Pilisi about his study on burnout within New Zealand-born Pacific communities. 

The government has recently announced some major reforms to how regional councils operate, with regional councillors proposed to be replaced by boards made up of city and regional mayors, and potentially even Crown-appointed representatives, called combined territories boards, or CTBs. The ‘shake-up' of regional councils has left concerns that the move would water down environmental regulations at a local level, reduce Māori and iwi voices in decision making, and would result in central government overreaching into local politics. As well as this, Parliament's Justice Committee has recommended passing the Electoral Amendment Bill, albeit with some amendments For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about both of these topics, starting with the changes to regional councils.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Host, Joel, spoke to MP Simon Court about the shake-up to regional councils, and the Justice Committee recommending the Electoral Amendment Bill pass. Producer Alex spoke with Research Fellow at the department of primary healthcare and rural health at the Dunedin School of Medicine, Dr Geoffrey Noller, about the roll out of roadside drug testing for substances such as Marijuana beginning in wellington, and what it means for road safety and legal Marijuana users. And Alex spoke with Professor in pediatric endocrinology at the Liggins Insititute at the University of Auckland, Paul Hofman, about the governments ban on puberty blockers, and what it means for the mental health of young trans people. Whakarongo mai!

Starting in December, the government is banning new prescriptions of puberty blockers to adolescents.  However, concerns have been raised about the effect this ban will have on the mental health of these individuals – research suggests that the medication reduces mental health distress in transgender youth, a community that is already vulnerable. Banning the drug may have adverse affects in this same vein. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to Professor in Pediatric Endocrinology at the Liggins Institute at the University of Auckland, Paul Hofman, about the ban, and what it means for the mental health of our transgender and gender dysphoric youth.

Bay of Plenty Reggae festival One Love have announced their 2026 cancellation earlier this week, citing the ongoing cost of living crisis and unforeseen behind-the-scenes developments as the reason why. Speculation around the cancellation continues to tie the festival's legacy to its previous promoter and founder, Pato Alvarez, following his sex offending conviction in 2023. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to musician and sound engineer Lora Thomson, about what the cancellation of the festival indicates for Aotearoa's live music scene, and the accessibility of venues and touring circuits for musicians in Aotearoa.

The Government has proposed to abolish regional councils, with city and district councils taking over these duties instead. Labour Party MP Duncan Webb has introduced a member's bill to repeal the Regulatory Standards Act. And the Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate, bringing it to its lowest level in three years in an effort to support economic renewal. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these issues.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about the results of the Ipsos survey, the removal of the requirement for school boards to give effect to the Treaty, the petition for a social media ban for under 16s, and the government banning puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria.  For International Desk, they spoke to Vira Paky, Youth Engagement Co-ordinator at Save the Children New Zealand, about her experience on the ground at COP30 in Brazil. Producer Jasmine talked to Councillor Julie Fairey about Plan Change 120 and Tāmaki hosting the World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education this week. And she talked to Deputy Secretary of Worker's First Union Anita Rosentreter about four New Zealanders that have won a four-year legal battle against Uber.

The supreme court has made a final ruling on the four-year long court battle between four Kiwi Uber drivers and the Uber corporation. The case signals a huge win for acknowledging employment rights for drivers, amidst the exploitative pitfalls of contractor classifications. The result coincides with the current Employment Relations Bill that has passed its first reading, a piece of legislation that would only allow selected workers access to the Court or Authority to seek declaration of their employment status and secure any minimum rights. The bill was drafted in part, by Uber. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Anita Rosentreter, Deputy Secretary of Workers First Union, who supported the worker's case, about what this means for Aotearoa's employment law and protecting the rights of our workers.

Producer Jasmine Gray speaks to Councillor Julie Fairey about the folllowing for this week's edition of City Counselling: Auckland Council has unveiled their long-term housing development proposition in the form of Plan Change 120, which is now open for public submissions until December 19. Key focuses include intensifying housing density in high-infrastructure areas. And this week Ngāti Whatua Ōrākei welcomed the world's largest indigenous education conference to Tāmaki Makaurau, bringing over 3,800 visitors. Accompanying the conference is Te Ao Pūtahi, a free public festival showcasing indigenous artistry, that is happening in Aotea Square until 7pm tonight. 

This week COP30, the world's main annual climate summit, has continued in the Amazonian city of Belém, Brazil. COP30 marks a new push from indigenous voices to be elevated at the summit, with the largest indigenous participation in history - an estimated 3,000 with 1,000. Tens of thousands of people also protested outside COP30 last week in the first large-scale protest at a United Nations climate summit in years. Wire Host Caeden spoke with Vira Paky, Youth Engagement Co-ordinator at Save the Children New Zealand, who is on the ground at COP.

The Ipsos New Zealand survey has shown Labour is the most trusted party for eight of the top 10 most important issues to voters. This includes issues like cost of living, healthcare, and the economy.  The Government has amended the Education and Training Act to remove the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  A petition calling for a minimum age of 16 to access social media has been handed over to Parliament.  And the Government is halting prescriptions of puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria, while continuing to allow them for cisgender young people. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.

Recently, the controversial Regulatory Standards Bill passed its third and final reading. The bill has raised concerns amongst many for a variety of reasons, including its lack of recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the risks it poses to the environment, and what opponents say is its ‘narrow neoliberal framework'. The bill, during public submissions, received 156,000 submissions, with over 98% voicing their opposition to the proposed legislation. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Geoffrey Bertram, a visiting scholar and retired lecturer at the Victoria University of Wellington about the bill, why it is so polarising, and what the passing of this bill means heading forward.

On Monday, The Green Party announced that a Green Government will commit to revoking any consents, or permits, handed out under the fast-track process for coal, hardrock gold, and seabed mining, if they were to be permitted under the current government.  In their announcement, the Green's were adamant that it was possible to have an economy that employs people without destroying the ecological basis for our existence. While expressing that they consider these forms of mining to be “deeply destructive” and unsustainable. Also this week, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced new changes to the Clean Car Standard. In the new standards, importers will now be charged $15 per gram of CO2 for new imports, compared to the previous $67.50, a nearly 80% reduction. This has led to criticism from experts, who believe New Zealand will now become a dumping ground for high-emission vehicles. And last week, The Green Party also condemned the Government's decision to officially pass the Regulatory Standards Bill into law. For our Weekly Catchup with The Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about the new Clean Car Standard, as well as the Regulatory Standards Bill. But first, we discussed The Green's commitment to revoking any mining permits handed out under the fast-track process.

Yesterday, the United Nations Security Council voted 13-0 in favour of US President Donald Trump's resolution for lasting peace in Gaza, although Russia and China chose to abstain. The plan includes vague references to Palestinian statehood in the future, along with the deployment of an “international stabilisation force” in Gaza. Supporters of the resolution suggest it should lead to the immediate lifting of remaining opposition to the flow of aid into Gaza, and the creation of an international stabilisation force would fill the vacuum left by the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region, while allowing for the immediate measures required to feed and protect the 2.2 million Palestinians living in the region. To discuss Donald Trump's latest plan for lasting peace in Gaza, and what it means for Palestine and Hamas, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke with Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa co-chair John Minto. 

Recently, ACT Party MP, Laura McClure, has launched a member's bill, proposing the disestablishment of the Broadcasting Standards Authority, or BSA. This member's bill follows a complaint laid to the BSA regarding Sean Plunket's online media network, The Platform. Plunket says the content of his show does not meet the requirements of the Broadcasting Act, and that the BSA had "woefully and egregiously overstepped its bounds". The BSA, however, says Plunket's show clearly meets the requirements of the Act. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Peter Thompson, an Associate Media and Communications Professor at the Victoria University of Wellington and board member of the Better Public Media Trust, about this member's bill and what the bill is proposing.

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 The Green Party's pledge to revoke, what they consider, the most destructive fast-track mining consents handed out by the current government, the adjustments to the Clean Car Standard, and the official passing of the Regulatory Standards Bill into law. News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Geoffrey Bertram, a visiting scholar and retired lecturer at the Victoria University of Wellington about the passing of the Regulatory Standards Bill, and what this means heading forward. Max spoke with John Minto from the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, to discuss the UN Security Council voting 13-0 in favour of implementing US President Donald Trump's plan for a lasting peace in Gaza. And Joel spoke to Peter Thompson, an Associate Media and Communications Professor at the Victoria University of Wellington, and board member of the Better Public Media Trust, about ACT MP Laura McClure's member's bill, proposing the disestablishment of the Broadcasting Standards Authority.

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.