95bFM: The Wire

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that 4162 of the approximately 10,000 special votes in the recent Auckland election were deemed invalid due to outdated enrolment details, or missing and incorrect declarations on voting forms.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.

The government is looking to introduce a raft of reforms to the driver licence system, officially called the Graduated Driver Licensing System.  The government aims to make getting a full driver's licence easier and cheaper for New Zealanders, which is why one of the proposed changes to the system includes scrapping the full licence test.  However, the government is also calling for reduced eye exams for class one licence holders, saying repeated eye exams don't have any significant benefit on safety.  Producer Vihan spoke to the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) President Hadyn Treanor about his views on the reduction of eye exams. He also spoke to a couple of university students about the changes, and their thoughts on it.

On Monday this week, the Labour Party announced their first major policy ahead of next year's general election, which is titled the “Future Fund”. Although Labour didn't include many specifications about the policy, the aim is to invest in New Zealand businesses that are inventive and resourceful. They also announced the fund would begin with a $200 million investment. In addition to this, the government made a decision to move ahead with its Roads of National Significance programme. The coalition announced that they've allocated $1.2 billion worth of funding to the programme, of which $550 million is being used to buy properties in order to move the project forward. For our weekly catchup with the Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March, Wednesday Wire Host Max speaks to him about the Green Party's stance on the Labour Party's new policy, as well as the government's decision to move forward with the Roads of National Significance programme. But first, they discussed the upcoming mega strike from the unions.

Te Pati Maori have drawn media speculation on the strength of their leadership, which has been described as “internal chaos” and “infighting,” despite the party announcing a reset. Academic and professor of Maori management Jason Mika from the University of Auckland's business school likens the conflict to “an open divorce court gone bad,” and believes that a shift in focus is needed.  Producer Faith spoke to Mika about the party's conflicts, and how he believes they need to refocus.

While speaking at the Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would not be recognising a Palestinian state at this point in time. Peters' rationale was that Hamas's leadership in Gaza would make recognising Palestine an unwise move for New Zealand to make at this point, additionally stating that it could trigger a reaction from Israel that would lead to more aggressive policies in both Gaza and the West Bank, subsequently threatening the two state solution. Aotearoa for Palestine, the organisers behind the march for humanity, have condemned Winston Peters' announcement, saying it was indicative of the government's complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza and that the upcoming march across the Auckland harbour bridge will be held in opposition to the announcement, as well as to call for sanctions on Israel. Oto spoke with Heba Mortaja from Aotearoa for Palestine to discuss Winston Peters' UN Address and his refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood.

For Oto's final wire 

From hiring freezes to canning Te Aka Whai Ora, we've seen a significant shake-up of our public health system under this current administration, and now, Minister of Health Simeon Brown has put forward further amendments to change Health New Zealand's purpose, objectives, and functions.   Wednesday Wire Producer Emmanuel spoke to associate professor George Laking over his concerns that the reforms will degrade access to preventative care and worsen health outcomes.

Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu was greeted by United States President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss many things, including ending the war in Gaza. After a lengthy talk, the leaders announced to the press the conditions they had come up with to offer to Hamas, despite no Palestinian or Hamas officials being present. The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, a swap of hostages held by Hamas and prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory and demands that Hamas immediately disarms and renounces any governance in the strip. The US President's plan would also establish a temporary governing board that would be headed by Trump himself and would include former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair. Trump then announced Hamas had three or four days to respond to the deal, and Netenyahu promised that if Hamas were to reject the deal, he would “finish the job” in Gaza. To talk about the peace proposal led by Donald Trump and if it brings the war in Gaza any closer to ending, Producer Max spoke to co-chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa John Minto and retired professor in international relations Stephen Hoadley.

Welcome to the latest addition to the Tuesday Wire: Green World! A segment run by bfm news team-ers Sara, Leilani & Max, Green World will dive into the eco-future  — uncovering everything from niche research topics, strange and interesting tech innovations, and the latest environmental developments from across the globe. This week, the first ever Overshoot Conference will take place in Austria, where climate experts from around the world will come together to discuss how climate targets can be recovered as we head toward exceeding 1.5 degrees of warming.  New Zealand Climate Change Commissioner Dr Andy Reisinger, who will be attending the event, says the global capacity to respond to this urgent issue “depends on collective social and political will”. Last week's UN Climate Summit also saw numerous political leaders speaking to global climate commitments, in particular in the lead up to COP30.  US President Donald Trump denounced scientific evidence on the urgency of climate change, Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo called for urgent climate action. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand spokesperson Carolyn Schwalger called for refreshed commitments to international cooperation on climate solutions, and Albanese specifically called out isolationist decision-making across the globe. In the first interview with Dr Andy Reisinger, Host Sara talks about the Overshoot Conference and global climate action.  When it comes to a global response to climate impacts, UN Chief of International development Achim Steiner has said that an observed increase of national defence spending has detracted from critical investment.  University of Auckland Management and International Business professor Sasha Maher who has engaged with research on climate finance, spoke to Sara about the financial obligation of individual states, towards climate solution.

Yesterday, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced changes to the earthquake-prone building regulations that will remove nearly 3000 buildings from the classification register.   Previously, buildings would have to meet a 34%NBS (new building standard) threshold to predict likelihoods of withstanding seismic action. The new system instead prioritises identifying structures that pose a higher risk to human life. Alterations seek to measure risk in a manner that balances safety with more affordable and realistic remediation action for existing properties.   Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Dr. Megan Boston, Senior Lecturer for Civil Engineering, at the University of Waikato about what the new quake-prone building regulations mean for Aotearoa's community safety and heritage.

For Dear Science today, Sara and Jasmine speak to Cushla McGoverin about using hot glue guns to mend bones, tooth-in-eye surgery, and a large penguin species went extinct in Aotearoa 3 million years ago.  

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin talks about a crafty way to fix broken bones, an unusual surgery to restore vision, and a long extinct New Zealand penguin species.  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about the Holidays Act overhaul, submissions on the Electoral Amendment Bill, and the government's decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly,  For our new segment Green World, Sara spoke with climate commissioner Dr Andy Reisinger about this week's Overshoot Conference and the future of global climate action, as well as University of Auckland's Sasha Maher on global and national climate investment and solutions.  Wire Producer Jasmine spoke with Dr. Megan Boston about the government's updated Earthquake-prone building regulation

The government has announced their plan to repeal the Holidays Act in an effort to make the application of leave entitlements for workers easier to calculate — an issue which has been estimated to have resulted in more than $2 billion in remediation payments to workers for miscalculated entitlements.  But critics including from Labour and the Greens say the changes will see some workers lose protections, especially when their hours defer from the traditional employment arrangement. Submissions on the Electoral Amendment Bill reveal that many New Zealanders believe the changes will disenfranchise voters and negatively impact democratic participation.  The proposed changes in the bill include removing the ability to enrol on voting day, banning prisoners from voting, and disallowing the provision of food and drink at election booths. Over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters' announced that New Zealand does not officially recognise Palestinian statehood, going against the decisions of countries like Australia, the UK and Canada. Peters said that, at this stage, such a decision might legitimise Hamas, but that the government will take a ‘when, not if' approach to the issue.   Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Carl Bates about all of these topics, starting with the Holidays Act

Over the weekend, at the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would not formally recognise a Palestinian state. This follows weeks of the Government not explicitly laying out what their plans were regarding recognising Palestine, unlike countries such as France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, who all announced they would be recognising a Palestinian state. The government's decision to not recognise a Palestinian state has received criticisms from the opposition parties, international relations experts, and pro-Palestinian advocates. For our weekly catchup, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party's Simon Court about the country's decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood. We also discussed the government overhauling the Holidays Act. The changes include a shift to hours-based accrual system for annual leave and a 12.5% Leave Compensation Payment for casual employees as opposed to accruing leave. Joel also spoke to Simon about this topic, specifically about its impact on casual and part-time employees. But first, we discussed the Government's decision not to recognise Palestine.

Last week at St Matthew's in the city, the community alliance Te Ohu Whakawhaungna organised a housing and wages Mayoral Forum attended by nearly 300 people. This forum was centered on asking leading mayoral candidates about their plans to deliver public and affordable housing in the city, tackle homelessness and deliver a living wage for all those employed by Auckland Council. Producer Sanat spoke to lead organiser for Te Ohu Marlon Drake about their community organising strategy, the sort of issues that diverse communities across the city care about and how they plan to work with the next mayor of the city to deliver on the needs of communities in Auckland.

Auckland Council's Policy and Planning committee met yesterday to vote on a new plan that would zone the city for two million homes, primarily around train stations and rapid bus routes.  This plan is a response to legislation put forward by housing minister Chris Bishop which requires councils across the country to zone for higher density housing. This plan has not been without controversy, with councillors claiming that Aucklanders are being “put to the firing squad”  Deputy PM David Seymour has publicly disagreed with his own housing minister, arguing that suburbs like Epsom and Parnell don't have the right infrastructure to accommodate for this growth.  Advocates for the plan, including mayor Wayne Brown argue that the council cannot continue to drag its feet on the need for housing that is closer to the city, and is more affordable. They argue that it's better to build in places with pipes, public transport routes and job opportunities.  The plan passed with a majority last evening, so Producer Sanat talked to Councilor Julie Fairey about the plan change and what it means for the future of the city.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about the results of the New Zealand Herald's mood of the boardroom survey, and the University reforms announced by the Government earlier this month. For International Desk, they also spoke to Dr Marieke Riethof, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Politics at the University of Liverpool, about the conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and the public response. On City Counselling this week, Producer Sanat talked to Councilor Jule Fairey about the passing of Plan Change 78 and higher density housing  He also had a chat with Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Marlon Drake about the 300 person mayoral forum that was hosted last week on housing and wages.

Earlier this month, four out of five members of Brazil's supreme court voted to convict the former president, Jair Bolsonaro, for plotting a military coup after losing the 2022 election.  However, members of the right-wing political opposition that support Bolsonaro are attempting to pass a bill that would give him amnesty.  For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Dr Marieke Riethof, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Politics at the University of Liverpool, about the conviction of Bolsonaro and the public response.

Yesterday, the New Zealand Herald released their latest “Mood of the Boardroom” survey results, based on the responses from 150 senior business leaders.  And earlier this month, the Minister for Universities, Dr Shane Reti, announced a series of reforms for tertiary education.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden asked Shanan Halbert about both of these topics.

Amid the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, a growing number of nations, including Western allies such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and France, have announced their recognition of a Palestinian state. These moves have intensified pressure on New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, to follow suit. But with Israel's war on Gaza now into its second year, and the Palestinian death toll surpassing 65,000, many Palestinians, experts, and advocates argue that recognition alone is not enough. They describe it as symbolic at best and instead call for stronger international measures, such as sanctions and arms embargoes against Israel.  Meanwhile, the very notion of a two-state solution is being challenged, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to expand annexation and settlement in the West Bank in retaliation against countries that recognise Palestine. I spoke with Dr Ritesh Shah, Senior Lecturer in Critical Studies in Education at the University of Auckland, about why the current wave of countries recognising Palestine is seen as largely symbolic, and what more meaningful steps the international community should take.

Last week ABC, who is owned by Disney, announced that American Late Night Host Jimmy Kimmel was to be suspended indefinitely after pressure from the FCC and President Donald Trump's administration, over comments he made related to the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. Yesterday, Disney announced that Kimmel would be re-instated, and would continue hosting the show starting today. This follows news from July, when it was announced that CBS would be ending the The Late Show franchise at the end of this season – currently hosted by Stephen Colbert – after similar pressure from the Trump administration. After Kimmel's suspension, reports followed that estimated Disney had lost a reported $3.8 billion USD in market value. Along with this, many actors involved with Disney in the past and present promoted cancellation of Disney Plus subscriptions to their fans through social media, with many hundreds of celebrities, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston and Robert De Niro signing a letter where they backed Kimmel. To discuss these events and how they impact free speech in the United States, Producer Max spoke to Stephen Hoadley, a retired professor in international relations and editor of a series of books on international human rights.

A new study led by the University of Otago has found that, each year, firearms injuries are costing the New Zealand hospital system an average of $1.48 million and costing the country a further $321 million in years of life lost. The researchers investigated firearms-related hospitalisations and deaths from assaults, accidents and suicide between the years 2000 and 2018. The total cost of hospital care over the 19 years was $28.2 million. Lead researcher Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard, a senior research fellow at the University of Otago, Wellington, says more than 1,000 people died and 2,115 people were hospitalised as a result of firearms incidents between 2000 and 2018. More than 80 per cent of those hospitalised needed surgery, with most of the injuries from accidents. To talk about this study, Producer Max spoke to Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard.

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about the government's changes to sick leave laws with their planned overhaul of the Holidays Act 2003, as well as Environment Canterbury's decision to carry a motion declaring a nitrate emergency and the responses to the Greens petition calling on te reo Māori names to be restored to Wellington electorates And he spoke with Dr Ritesh Shah a Senior Lecturer in Critical Studies in Education at the University of Auckland about the number of countries announcing their recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly and why it might just be a symbolic gesture. Max spoke to Stephen Hoadley, a retired professor of international relations, to talk about the suspension and later reinstation of American Late Night Host Jimmy Kimmel. And he spoke to Dr. Lucy Telfar-Barnard from the University of Otago, Wellington, to discuss the recent study released by the University of Otago that showed how firearm incidents are costing New Zealand $322 million per year.

A 2025 survey regarding experiences of disclosure to donor-conceived children about their origins reported that the majority of parents do choose to have a conversation with their tamariki about their whakapapa. Further research into donor whānau dynamics is being conducted by collaborative research group Donor Identity in Aotearoa New Zealand (DIANZ), with an intention to identify where support is needed for all parties of donor-conception in Aotearoa.  Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to researcher and Professor Cindy Farquhar from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at UoA, about the important role whakapapa plays in identity for donor-conceived tamariki, and the path to best support the wellbeing of these diverse whānau units.  

The Government has passed with urgency a temporary halt on some international adoptions under the Adoption Amendment Bill. The urgency of this bill is aimed at combating the exploitation of young children who have been adopted from overseas. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Children's Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, about this temporary pause, and what this will mean for some children overseas awaiting adoption.

The Government has announced some new secondary school subjects and changes to current ones, which will be a part of the proposed new curriculum. Some of the subjects include: earth and space sciences, civics, politics, and philosophy, media, journalism and communications, and te mātai i te ao Māori However, art history as a subject is set to be axed, instead being integrated into other visual art subjects such as design, painting, and photography. In addition to this, outdoor education as a subject is set to become fully vocational. Those in these sectors have criticised these moves, with Auckland Art Gallery's head of curatorial and exhibitions Sarah Farrar, saying the move will close doors for young people, with Claire Amos, principal at Albany Senior High School, saying that making outdoor education vocational will result in a loss of funding for the subject. For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host spoke to him about these topics.

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 the new school subjects set to be implemented into the new, proposed curriculum, and the drastic changes to art history and outdoor education. Producer Alex spoke with the University of Otago's Robert Patman about international support for Palestinian Statehood, and whether or not Foreign Minister Winston Peters will follow his Australian and Canadian counterparts. Joel spoke to the Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad about the temporary pause of international adoptions, and what this means for children overseas. And Alex spoke with the University of Aucklands Helen petousis-Harris about the CDC reviewing vaccine recommendations and regulations under an anti-vax committee. Whakarongo mai!

Last Week, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices met to review childhood vaccination recommendations in the US. The committee, whose members were appointed by anti-vaccination US Secretary of Health Robert F Kennedy Jr, have voted on a variety of recommendations for child vaccinations and restrictions of vaccinations from COVID-19 to Measles and Mumps immunisations.  This move has been met with concern, both over the implications for the health and wellbeing of children and the public, and what it means for one of the most prominent countries and advisory bodies to make such a move. In particular, the move itself was rife with confusion, with the advisory committee being ill-equipped to review the recommendations. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Helen Petousis-Harris, about the confused and muddled recommendations, what they mean for public health, and what this says about the state of vaccine regulation.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has headed to New York for a conference on a Two State solution in the middle east, where debate over Palestinian recognition and statehood will take place during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. As countries like Australia and Canada pledge support for Palestinian Statehood, alongside other countries that have either expressed intent or already done so, Peters has remained closed off as to whether or not New Zealand will join these ranks. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to the Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, Robert Patman, about what these expressions of support for Palestinian Statehood mean in the long run, and what we can and should expect from Peters and the Government in this regard.

The University of Auckland's Maori and Pacific Academic Engagement Advisor for Students and Scholarly Services Mia-Mae Taitimu-Stevens talked to Thursday Wire Producer Sanat today about how social media is enabling higher engagement with Māori political Kaupapa.  Recently Te Pāti Māori won the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, with candidate Oriini Kaipara using social media to far greater effect than Labour candidate Peeni Henare who relied on more tried and true campaigning tactics.  Mia-Mae walked Producer Sanat through how social media has been a transformative tool for Maori, as they rise to the political challenges of the day. Furthermore she walked Sanat through some of the aspects of kaupapa Maori that work particularly well in a social media model.

This week is the 50-year milestone of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. The theme for this week is “ake ake ake - a forever language.” Last week, the government unveiled a series of new secondary school subjects as part of its curriculum refresh. And the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll shows Labour ahead of National, but neither party is able to govern on its own.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.

Last week, thousands of young people began mass protests in Nepal, sparked by a social media ban but over larger frustrations with government corruption. The protests have led to Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign, especially in the wake of public outrage over the killing of 22 people during the police crackdown on protestors.  For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to University of Queensland Lecturer in Political Science Dr DB Subedi about the circumstances behind these protests, how they fit into the wider region, and the misinformation surrounding them.

Bike Auckland, a pro-cycling advocacy group recently sent out their pledge for candidates which says  “I believe people of all ages should feel able to bike safely to get around. Auckland needs more climate-friendly transport to ensure a sustainable and resilient Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, protecting our environment and communities for future generations. If elected, I commit to making a safe, connected cycle network a priority.”  Several candidates have pledged their support for the bike pledge, so Thursday Wire Producer Sanat wanted to get some more insight from Councilor Shane Henderson into how cycling will play a role in the future of Auckland's transport network. Thursday Wire Producer Sanat also asked him about what he has to say to opponents of cycleways that argue the increased cost and congestion is part of a larger “war on cas” In other Local Government news, an ACT candidate in Whangerei has had their hoarding shot at several times recently. This follows an increase in abuse and vitriol towards local government candidates, particularly from marginalised communities. Producer Sanat asked Shane what he thinks this means for the state of our local democracy.

The profiles of candidates standing in several Māori ward elections were missing from booklets given to enrolled voters intended to inform their votes. In response to the missing candidate profiles, Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi The Public Service Association (PSA) — representing public servants — has called on the government to move the responsibility for running these elections out of the hands of private companies and back to the Electoral Commission.  Wednesday Wire Producer Emmanuel spoke to the PSA's acting Kaihautū Māori, Marcia Puru, to discuss the PSA's view on the missing candidate information and its implications.

Recently, commentators and industry voices have been raising the alarm about the state of our public health service while thousands of nurses strike for better conditions. One facet of this is concerns over inadequate nurse staffing compounded by the underhiring of nurse graduates. Leaks from Health New Zealand last week show reforms that will ensure nurse graduates are offered some work, but they will also be offered fewer hours of support and training. Dr Sue Adams, a senior lecturer of Nursing specialising in developing the Nursing workforce at the University of Auckland has called Health New Zealand's move wrong-footed. Producer Emmanuel spoke to Dr Adams to discuss the implications of these reforms, the state of the public health system as a whole and the silencing of nurses raising concerns.

Hundreds of actors, directors and other film industry professionals, including the likes of Olivia Colman, Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton have signed a pledge, which was submitted by the group “Film Workers for Palestine”, where they have vowed not to work with Israeli film institutions that they say are “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people”, the pledge is inspired by the cultural boycott that contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa. Taking it back to last year, Will Alexander, a New Zealand actor who has appeared on Shortland Street in the past, chose to go on a hunger strike due to what he referred to as the New Zealand government being complicit in an ongoing genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. As he has personally acted against Israel in the past, Producer Max spoke to Will to get his opinion on the news of other global actors choosing to strike against Israel and how an actor can shape public perception.