95bFM: The Wire

Two brutal attacks across the motu have returned public attention to the issue of dog maulings that stubbornly refuses to be resolved. Since 2020, we've seen a 20% increase in injuries to people from dogs, coming to nearly THIRTY THOUSAND dog-related injuries reported per year (half of which are bites), and these are the numbers collected without mandatory reporting in Aotearoa. In the wake of these dog attacks, which saw one woman in Northland lose her life and a father and son in Christchurch severely injured, many people are looking for the government to act to address this issue that frequently flies under that radar until tragedies like this strike.  But how to respond, and what changes should be focused on, remain open questions. To get his opinion on how we should approach the issue, Wire Host Manny spoke with Associate Professor at Auckland Law School Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere on the issue of animal control legislative reform.

Homeless, rough sleepers and beggars have often been used as a shorthand by some for decline in the city centre. For some, it's evidence of the state's increasing failure to provide support people at vulnerable points in their lives; for others, the continued presence of rough sleepers being permitted is a sign of a lack of social rules. This week the government seems to have firmly fallen in with the latter.  They are set to implement legislation that would empower police to implement ‘move on' orders, which, if issued, would require you to vacate public areas or face up to $2,000 in fines or 3 months in prison. The move has garnered huge criticism with many viewing the move alongside the governments cuts to emergency housing and support services leaving people with no where to go other than prison. Another move that has flown a little under the radar has been the amalgamation of the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the local government functions of the Department of Internal Affairs into a single ministry. This amalgamation has alarmed critics who are concerned that the government's track record on climate and environmental policy spells ill for this new agency.  For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Wire Host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the amalgamation of key ministries into a mega ministry but began by talking about the expansion of police powers with move-on orders.  

We're constantly hearing of geopolitical tensions raring their heads across the world, with talks of ‘great powers' flexing their dominance - commercially, economically, militarily - brazenly. One arena of such confrontation is the Pacific. But when we discuss this region, are we sidelining the peoples and nations who actually live there? Recently, the Associate Dean Pacific at Auckland's Law School, Professor Guy Fiti Sinclair, hosted a workshop foregrounding Pacific-centred understandings of how the Pacific is contending with international law and governance amidst these tensions. So how should we think of the Pacific as a region? Who are the organisations representing the ‘blue continent', and is Aotearoa New Zealand a facilitator of Pacific interests, or just our own? Producer Theo spoke with Professor Guy Sinclair to understand more.

For Dear Science, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin chats with us about the ‘Spinosaurus', a repellent for bed bugs, and research on the inner ear and hearing loss  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamlilton about ‘move-on' orders to take place in New Zealand's cities, Auckland's housing intensification changes, and the plans for a Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport For Green World, Sara spoke to CEO of WWF New Zealand, Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, about the environmental NGO roadmap looking at an ‘environmental reset' in New Zealand policy. Producer Vihan spoke to the University of Auckland's Dr Emmy Rākete on the new move-on orders for rough sleepers and how it can affect Aotearoa's social landscape.  Producer Toby spoke to Auckland University's Chris Ogden about the geopolitical significance of the Chagos Islands, and why Donald Trump is so unhappy about Britain ceding them to Mauritius.

WWF-New Zealand, Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird released a joint policy roadmap last week calling for an “environmental reset” in New Zealand warning about the urgency of significant change needed in our climate and environmental policy direction. Wire Host Sara spoke to WWF CEO Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb about the roadmap and the extent of change they are seeking.

The Government has introduced new movw-on orders for rough sleepers across the country. The new orders give police the authority to ask rough sleepers to relocate from an area for 24 hours, and leaves support for them up to the police. If rough sleepers fail to comply with these orders, they are liable to pay $2000 in fines.  Producer Vihan spoke to Professional Teaching Fellow at the University of Auckland's School of Social Sciences, Dr Emmy Rākete, on what the rationale is behind these new orders and their impact on the social landscape of Aotearoa. 

Last week, the Infrastructure Commission's first National Infrastructure Plan was released. Outlining a number of different suggestions for infrastructure, the plan has been tabled to parliament by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. One such suggestion is the introduction of a $9 toll on the harbour bridge, and any new harbour crossing, in order to fund the construction of any new crossing. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke with Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland, Timothy Welch, about this suggestion, and how it should play into Auckland's infrastructure future.

PC 120 or Plan Change 120 was announced for Auckland as a way to boost housing intensification along public transport hotspots and in the CBD. The plan was celebrated as a way to ensure Auckland remains livable as a city into the 21st century, reducing traffic around key centres and increasing affordability.  The plan was met with criticism from those living in affected central neighbourhoods, such as Mount Eden, Parnell, Ponsonby, and Epsom. Some residents say the changes will diminish the character of the neighbourhoods or make things much busier, disturbing their way of life.  Intensification is difficult, therefore, as a balancing act between multiple parties. To discuss how developments can work as we move into a city fit for the 21st century, News Director Castor spoke to Dr. Mohsen Mohammadzadeh from the University of Auckland's school of architecture and planning.

This week on the Tuesday Wire...  For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about making English an official language of Aotearoa and reducing the minimum proposed homes for Auckland down to 1.6 million.  They also spoke to Dr. Mohsen Mohammadzadeh from the University of Auckland's school of architecture and planning about PC 120 and how to best develop Auckland as a city for the future.  And producer Alex spoke with Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning, Timothy Welch, about the Infrastructure Commission's suggestion of a $9 toll on the harbour bridge, whether it's the right move, and what it means for Auckland's Infrastructure planning.

The Government's Employment Relations Amendment Bill has passed its third and final reading. The Government has revealed the first-ever National Infrastructure Plan. And the Salvation Army has released its annual State of the Nation report for 2026. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to MP Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about a new solar solution, the periodic table anniversary, and the latest research on human senses For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamlilton about Wellington's wastewater treatment plant failure, the State of the Nation, and NZ First's call for a Māori seats referendum For Green World, news-teamer Alex spoke to Nikolai Siimes, a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Auckland, about Biodynamic Alternatives to Fungicides Producer Vihan spoke to the University of Auckland's Shahper Richter on balancing AI and human values.

Artificial Intelligence has become a part of our lives today and can do everything that humans once relied on their education and expertise for. However, in her latest article for Newsroom, the University of Auckland's Senior Lecturer of Marketing, Professor Shahper Richter, says humans get to decide AI's future.  She says the values programmed into AI softwares don't necessarily fit the culture in Aotearoa, and that humans can still take their autonomy back from AI. 

Over the course of the latest Trump Administration, numerous international organisations have found themselves in the President's crosshairs. The latest is the World Trade Organisation, with the US proposing a set of reforms that would consolidate their influence over the organisation, and reduce the limitations placed upon them.  Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke with Professor Emeritus in Law at the University of Auckland, Jane Kelsey, about these reforms, particularly in regards to how New Zealand is positioning ourselves in these changes, and what they'll mean for us.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about Liquid Natural Gas imports and David Seymour's State of the Nation speech.  They also spoke to Professor Emeritus at Massey University, Ralph Sims, about the sustainability of an LNG terminal. And they spoke to University of Auckland Professor of Electrical Engineering Nirmal Nair about how the LNG plans would benefit power companies.  Producer Alex spoke to Professor Emeritus in Law at the University of Auckland, Jane Kelsey, about the ongoing rumblings around reforms within the World Trade Organisation, New Zealand's role, and what changes to the organisation would mean for us. He also spoke with Professor in Chemicals and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland, and Deputy Director of the Green Energy Engineering Centre, Brent Young, about the governments LNG terminal proposal, and what it means in the context of our wider approach to fixing our energy woes.

The government's plans to construct a liquified natural gas import terminal have sparked a lot of conversation over the past week about the role of natural gas in our energy infrastructure, and what more we need. Producer Alex spoke with Professor in Chemical and Material Engineering at the University of Auckland, Brent Young, about how this proposal fits in to the issue it seeks to solve, and what more needs to be done within our energy infrastructure. Next, News Director Castor spoke to Professor Emeritus at Massey University, Ralph Sims, about the sustainability of Liquid Natural Gas and potential alternatives. Finally, they spoke to the University of Auckland's Professor of Electrical Engineering Nirmal Nair about how energy companies stand to benefit from the LNG changes.

This year at Big Gay Out, politicians will be permitted to speak again at the mainstage, despite not being allowed last year. Politicians and their parties have had a complicated history at the event, most recently with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon leaving after being harassed by protestors at the event in 2024.  Big Gay Out has also been the site of other significant political action, including the Green Party's 2021 petition to ban conversion therapy.  To discuss the decision and the importance of linking queer events with politics, News Director Castor spoke to Communications and Advocacy manager at the Burnett Foundation, Kirk Serpes. Big Gay Out is on this Sunday 15th February at Coyle Park. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to MP Shanan Halbert about this year's Waitangi Day, seabed mining in Taranaki, and Labour and National's joint Modern Slavery members' bill. And for International Desk, they spoke to Dr Keith Rathbone, Senior Lecturer in Modern European History and Sports History at Macquarie University, about the controversy surrounding security at the Winter Olympics.  For City Counselling this week, News Director Castor spoke to Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson about Auckland Museum, a potential merger of Kaipara and Rodney district councils, and the opening of the Auckland International Convention Centre.  They also spoke to Communications and Advocacy manager at the Burnett Foundation, Kirk Serpes, about the decision to allow politicians to speak on the mainstage of Big Gay Out this weekend.

Thousands of locals have protested the Winter Olympics in Milan, citing issues like cost of living and the environmental impact of the games, as well as the presence of law enforcement officers from the United States. For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Dr Keith Rathbone, Senior Lecturer in Modern European History and Sports History at Macquarie University, about these protests in Milan, and their broader context within Olympic history.

Last Friday was Waitangi Day, with over 35,000 people visiting the Waitangi grounds on the day. The fast-track approvals panel has turned down a bid from Trans-Tasman Resources to mine the Taranaki seabed. And Labour's Camilla Belich has lodged a joint members' bill with National MP Greg Fleming to combat modern slavery.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden asked MP Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.

The Commerce Commission, responsible for regulating competition and fair trading in Aotearoa New Zealand, recently took two businesses to court over their ‘unconscionable conduct'. Among other behaviour, the businesses were found to have misled and exploited consumers, and targeted particularly vulnerable customers. This is the first time that the Commerce Commission have pursued cases under this prohibition, with ‘unconscionable conduct' being added to the Fair Trading Act back in 2022. To understand exactly what ‘unconscionable conduct' entails, and how future cases may play out, Producer Theo spoke to Professor of Law at the University of Auckland Dr Jodi Gardner.

Last week we saw the release of a draft decision to decline sea bed mining in the Taranaki bite, a move celebrated by a number of local and environmental groups. One of the voices opposing the project was Forest and Bird. They are now appealing a fast-track gold mine consent in Waihi North.  Following reforms to the fast-track approvals scheme pushed through last year which cut them and other community groups out of the process, the Waihi mine is the final project which Forest and Bird is invited to input on. Wednesday Wire host Manny spoke to the Waikato and Taranaki regional conservation manager for Forest and Bird, Elvisa Van Der Leden, about the draft decision to decline seabed mining in Taranaki, Forest and Bird's appeal of the Waihi North Goldmine application, and the reforms to the fast-track approvals scheme.

This week on the Wednesday Wire... For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the National Party's idea of a rates cap, local governments infrastructure crisis and the decision to decline a seabed mining project in Taranaki. They then spoke to Elvisa van der Leden, Waikato and Taranaki regional conservation manager for Forest and Bird about the draft decision to decline the sea bed mining project in Taranaki, their appeal of the Waihi north Goldmine application, and the reforms to the fast track approvals scheme which is cutting them and other community groups out of the process. Finally producer Theo spoke to Law Professor Jodi Gardner on the first two cases pursued by the commerce commission under its unconscionable conduct prohibition.

Earlier this year, an Oxfam report revealed that once again, billionaire wealth increased in 2025 — three times faster than the previous five-year average. In January, Oxfam also proclaimed ‘Pollutocrat Day' on the 10th of January, on which the richest 1% have already exhausted their annual carbon budget. Professor of Business & Society at the University of Technology in Sydney Carl Rhodes has delved into the ‘myth of the heroic billionaire' and the problems generated for political processes and global inequality. Wire Host Sara spoke to Rhodes about the influence of billionaires, in particular with regard to climate action, starting by asking what the myth of the heroic billionaire is, and how it is perpetuated.

For Dear Science this week our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about snow, ice, and “freezing-point depression”  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamlilton about Waitangi Day & National Party views on some of the recent environmental legislation For Green World, Sara spoke to Professor Carl Rhodes from the University of Technology in Sydney, about the influence of billionaires on global climate progress Producer Toby spoke to Associate Professor Maria Armoudian, from the University of Auckland, about the Trump administration's targeting of political opponents in the United States

On Thursday last week, politicians including Prime Minister Chris Luxon and ACT party leader David Seymour addressed the audience during the Waitangi Day events at the Treaty Grounds. The theme this year was Mō tātou, mā tātou, which is for all of us and by all of us. As well, the past week has seen various news updates in environmental legislation including the draft decision to reject consent for seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight, Greenpeace voicing concerns about a ‘kiwi killing clause' in the proposed Natural Environment Bill, and a new Green Party bill calling to recognise the legal personhood of Tohorā — whales. This week, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with Waitangi.

From Dec 27 to Jan 18, all train lines across Tāmaki will be shutting down for summer maintenance, a closure which is expected to be the last of its kind ahead of the opening of the City Rail Link.  The current measles outbreak in Tāmaki is being continually monitored, with exposure sites being updated daily on info.health.nz. The public are encouraged to track whether they've been in possible contact with the virus, and get up to date on any vaccinations to limit possibilities of transmission.  Auckland Council are supporting arts initiatives across the summer months, with Music in the Park kicking off in early January, and Movies in the Park following in February.  Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about these topics, and also asked for comment following the attack by two gunmen at Bondi Beach earlier this week.

On this week's 'Best of the Wire' Special: For Max's final Wire 

Yesterday, the latest six-monthly survey of housing support providers under the National Homelessness Data Project, or NHDP,  showed that homelessness in Auckland has more than doubled in the year to September. The report also found that 14 of the 21 agencies interviewed reported an increase in homelessness. As well as this, Australia's ban on social media for children under 16 has taken effect. And according to an interim report into social media harm, a social media ban for children in New Zealand is worth exploring further. And last week the Government announced the replacement of the Resource Management Act, or RMA. The coalition said its replacement will slash red tape and supercharge growth. For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about the Government's new RMA reforms and a potential social media ban in New Zealand. But first they discussed the latest report on Auckland homelessness.

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about how a journal has retracted a study on a weed killer, how it's easier to identify a cat by its purr rather than meow, and how time is faster on Mars. Landing 20 December, Forces of Flight, MOTAT's newest Aviation Hall exhibition - Discover the forces that take you sky-high! Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

The Parliament's Workforce and Education Committee has released an interim report on an inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders face online. The government has recently announced an overhaul of the Resource Management Act and introduced two new bills in its place, the Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill.  For our weekly catch-up with the National Party, Producer Vihan spoke to MP Carl Bates, who is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Workforce and Education Committee, about the new findings of the interim report, the new Natural Environment Bill, and the Fast Track Approval Amendments Bill.

The government has announced the overhaul of the Resource Management Act (RMA), which will be replaced by two different bills, the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. The RMA is set to be fully replaced by 2029. The RMA, which has been in effect for 34 years, is polarising across the political spectrum. In announcing the reforms, RMA Reform Minister, Chris Bishop, says that “pretty much everything” will be quicker and less costly under the new regime. For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about this overhaul of the RMA. They also discussed The Education and Workforce Committee's interim report on the harms young people experience online, with a majority recommending a ban on social media for under-16-year-olds. But first, they discussed the overhaul of the RMA.

On Sunday, “Block the Ban” held a protest against the government's decision to ban new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria. The United Nations' committee for the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination has released a report warning that New Zealand is at serious risk of weakening Māori rights. And last week, the government rejected the recommended methane emissions targets. This is despite officials warning against the government doing so, stating that lowering methane emissions targets could increase New Zealand's contribution to global warming.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.

On May 26 next year, Aotearoa's anti-stalking legislation comes into effect, but criminalisation is not the only action needed to support those experiencing stalking. Earlier this week Auckland Women's Centre released a guide of referral for victims of stalking that includes advice on reporting to police and accessing support services.  Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Leonie Morris, Project Lead for ‘Aotearoa Free From Stalking', on the advocacy pathways needed to best address the issue of stalking ahead of the legislation implementation next year.

With 2025 coming to a close, it's a turning point for health promotion strategies around nicotine and tobacco use in Aotearoa. The Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 initiative launched in 2010, and sought to focus on addressing inequities for Māori. The parameters for success for Smokefree Aotearoa aimed for a reduction to less than 5% of NZers that smoke, across all population groups, by the end of the fifteen year period. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Professor Chris Bullen, Co-Chair of the Smokefree Expert Advisory Committee, about the changes in smoking culture that have occurred across the campaign, and what is next for addressing inequities in tobacco use and relevant health outcomes going forward.

Safety measures on public transport are of growing concern this week following the fatal and unprovoked attack that took place on route 76 in East Tāmkaki on Monday night. Earlier this week there were also multiple critical incidents that occurred simultaneously across Auckland's West Coast beaches and waterways, seeing an unusually high deployment of emergency services and surf lifesavers for this early in the summer. Swedish home and furniture retailer Ikea opened in Sylvia Park a week ago today, drawing huge excitement for many. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about these topics.

We might think of statehood as a fairly recent, post- World War Two phenomenon, but the creation of states actually goes back to 5000 years ago.  And instead of money, it was the taxation of grains that contributed to the creation of the first states.  Producer Vihan spoke to the University of Auckland's Professor of Psychology Quentin Atkinson on how the first states and their elites came to be.

The government is pausing the new prescriptions of Puberty Blockers to gender diverse and transgender young people from the 19th of December onwards, following a similar move by the UK after the results of the NHS's Cass Review.  Wire Producer Flo spoke to activist Lauren Craig about the effects of the legislation, her petition “Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers” against the changes and the wider political motivation for the policy. If you'd like to sign this petition, you can find it here

A new study from the University of Auckland has indicated a higher risk of violence and discrimination for queer people on public transport, especially for non-binary and transgender people or those with multiple marginalised identities.  Kirsten Tilleman, PhD researcher at Waimata Taupapa Rau University of Auckland conducted the study and is working with Auckland Transport to address the issue. To further explain the results of the study and to describe the implementation of possible solutions, Wire producer Flo spoke with Kirsten Tilleman.

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 what the Green Party has taken away from Scrutiny Week, the recent reports criticising the Government's decision-making in regards to climate change, and the United Nations report warning that New Zealand is at serious risk of weakening Māori rights in New Zealand. For this weeks Get Action! Producer Flo spoke with Activist Lauren Craig, creator of OurChangeAction Petition “Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers”. Flo also spoke with Kirsten Tilleman, a University of Auckland PhD researcher, about her study on discrimination and violence towards LGBTQIA+ individuals on public transport.  And Producer Vihan spoke with the University of Auckland's Professor of Psychology Quentin Atkinson, to discuss the formation of states.

Last week was scrutiny week, where Parliament focuses entirely on holding government agencies and ministers to account, to check-in on how well the Government is performing. Many of the questions surrounding scrutiny week have been focused on climate change, with many recent reports highlighting the Government's questionable decision-making.. The biggest headline was that the coalition had chosen to reject all three of the climate change commission's recommendations to strengthen New Zealand's emissions targets. Along with this, the United Nations released a new report, where they've warned that New Zealand is at serious risk of weakening Māori rights and entrenching disparities for the indigenous population. In the 14-page report, the UN expressed concerns over multiple government policies affecting Maori, including the disestablishment of the Maori Health Authority, cuts to public funding for Maori services, and minimising the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about the report released by the United Nations, but first they discussed Scrutiny Week and the Government's recent climate change decisions.

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.