95bFM: The Wire

The Whakaata Māori-Curia Poll has released the findings of their polling of Māori across the general and Māori rolls.  For our politics catch-up with Whakaata Māori, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Daniel Perese about these poll results.

The $5.5 Billion City Rail Link opened to passengers for the first time on Sunday.  And this week is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, with events happening across Tāmaki Makaurau to mark the occasion.  For City Counselling this week, Wire Host Caeden caught up with Councillor Julie Fairey about both of these topics.

For City Counselling this week, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about the opening of the City Rail Link on Sunday and what Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori looks like in Tāmaki Makaurau.  And for our politics catch-up with Whakaata Māori, they spoke to Daniel Perese about the results of the new Whakaata Māori-Curia poll.  Flo spoke with Labour MP Shanan Halbert about Labour's new price gouging policy and their proposed Capital Gains Tax as well as the possibility of a hung parliament. Producer Eloise spoke with Dr Olivier Jutel from the University of Otago about the fallout from Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour.

Buy now, pay later products such as Afterpay, Klarna, and Zip allow users to pay for a variety of goods and services in - typically four - fortnightly instalments. Although these products do not charge fees or interest as long as payments are made on time, a substantial amount of providers' revenue comes from late fees. One of the distinctive points around buy now, pay later products, is how they've been marketed in a way that frames them as different to traditional debt - or not as debt at all. So how do these perceptions of buy now, pay later products potentially reflect the ways consumers make use of them? To learn more, producer Theo spoke to AUT's Professor Aaron Gilbert, one of the authors of a new study looking to increase our understanding of this relationship. The study, 'A Rose by Any Other Name: The impact of consumer perceptions of Buy Now Pay Later on BNPL use by young adults' can be found here.

In the last few days, we've seen the long-awaited opening of the City Rail Link, a huge infrastructure project that took years and billions of dollars to complete. Despite this particular project reaching completion, the country faces challenges with meeting maintenance needs of current infrastructure alongside long-term agreement on new projects. Earlier this year, a report commissioned by the national associations Civil Contractors New Zealand, Infrastructure New Zealand and Water New Zealand estimated that the stopping and starting of such projects has cost 11.8 billion dollars over the last thirty years. So what changes would the Opportunity party look to make for how we maintain and invest in our country's infrastructure? Then, shifting to another generational issue, youth voter enrolments sat at 57.45% by the end of last month. So what needs to change to see greater engagement with young people, and how will recent changes to election rules affect this turnout? But for our fortnightly catch up with the leader of the Opportunity Party, Qiulae Wong, producer Theo began by asking whether she's had a chance to travel on the City Rail Link yet.

Many will likely remember Sunday 13 September as the day that Auckland's city rail link opened. After nearly ten years of planning and construction, Auckland finally has an underground rail line, and many hope this will lead to a renaissance in the city.  News Director Castor and Wire Producer Liam went to the opening of the CRL and caught the very first train departing at 4:57 AM from Ōtāhuhu. The passion was palpable on the day, everywhere one looked one could sense the passion of a lot of people passionate about trains and public transport. We interviewed members of the public to gauge people's feelings and hopes for the future.  Liam also spoke to Viv Beck, Chief Executive for Heart of the City, about what the CRL will mean for businesses in Auckland, and to Bevan Assink, Chief Metro Officer for KiwiRail, about how the opening day went from an operational perspective and what the CRL will mean in the context of Auckland's wider rail system. Here is their report...

For Dear Science this week, we chat with our experts, Professor Sebastian Leuzinger and Dr Syrie Hermans,, about plants and their senses. For our Weekly Catchup with the National Party, Host Alex speaks with MP Ryan Hamilton about the CRL, Auckland Council's troubles with Fast-Tracked developments, and NZ's condemnation of Illegal Israeli Settlements Producer Thomas chats to Public Service Association National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons about an internal review into Ministry of Social Development errors, and how they may have been caused by cuts to the workforce. Thomas also talks to University of Auckland Associate Professor Helen Petousis-Harris, about New Zealand's flu vaccination rates being critically low. And this week we have a City Rail Link special. News director Castor and Producer Liam caught the very first train on the opening day and interviewed members of the public. Liam also interviewed Viv Beck from Heart of the City and Bevan Assink from KiwiRail about how significant this moment is for Auckland.

This year New Zealand has seen a particularly bad flu season, with multiple Emergency Departments across the country being overloaded with sick patients and running well above capacity. With an aging population the flu is becoming an increasingly serious illness for the country, but despite this only 58% of over 65 year olds, and a quarter of the total population have been vaccinated. To discuss the impacts of a low flu vaccination rate and how New Zealand can improve its numbers, producer Thomas talked to University of Auckland Associate Professor Helen Petousis-Harris.  

Last week a review into a number of Ministry of Social Development payment errors over the past few months were released. It found more than 30,000 social welfare payments were wrongly suspended. Many were directly caused by a mistake made in legislative change meaning pensioners missed out on Winter Energy Payments, but others were from a subsequent processing backlog causing large workloads. The Public Service Association has said a lot of these mistakes could have been avoided if the MSD was properly staffed. This government has cut more than 700 roles, or almost 10% of the workforce. To discuss the review, and impacts of low staffing in the MSD producer Thomas talked to PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.  

New data from the New Zealand Police on the initial rollout of roadside drug tests has found that THC was one of the most commonly detected drugs. The testing stations are part of a response to high numbers of road deaths involving drug use. However Cannabis Clinic CEO Waseem Alzaher has voiced concerns that the testing data does not distinguish between recreational and medicinal cannabis use, nor does it identify the actual impairment caused by use. Producer Sara spoke to Alzaher about the issue as it relates to medicinal cannabis users

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The government's COVID-19 inquiry recently returned a series of recommendations around New Zealand's preparations for future pandemics. While the government accepted the vast majority of these recommendations, there are concerns about the implementation, especially as the pandemic and its management have become a topic of significant political polarisation.  To discuss the inquiry and how politics is influencing our disease management, News Director Castor spoke to Professor of Public Health Michael Baker.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about discriminatory comments from NZ First MPs and candidates, and about the possibilities of plug in solar in Aotearoa.  They also spoke to Professor of Public Health Michael Baker about the recommendations from the latest COVID-19 Inquiry and how politics is influencing pandemic management.  And Producer Pranuja spoke to Associate Professor of Social Sciences, Carisa Showden, about proposed changes to New Zealand's sexual consent laws.

Last week, NZ First leader Winston Peters made derogatory comments towards Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-Nan. The comments echoed racist stereotypes about immigrants and led to strong backlash from members of the public and politicians across parliament. This is not the first example of discriminatory comments from NZ First politicians this year. Candidate Stuart Nash spouted misogynistic rhetoric about National MP Katie Nimon earlier this year, and Deputy Leader Shane Jones made some derogatory comments about Indian migrants even earlier in the year. While MPs continue to call out these comments, little is being done to actually respond to them, especially as ACT and National continue to support NZ First in power. Also this past week saw the Ministry for Regulation advising that legalising plug-in solar could provide significant benefits. While plug-in solar rarely generates enough electricity to power a home, it can alleviate power costs especially in sunny months, reducing the burden on households and the electrical grid.  For this week's catchup with ACT's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with NZ First leader Winston Peters' comments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A recently released study from researchers at the Otago, Canterbury, and Massey universities has found an association between nitrate concentrations in drinking water, and pre-term births. The study is the first of its scale to investigate the health impacts of nitrate on health, involving the birth records of over 735,000 babies born between 2008 and 2021.  It comes after the Ministry of Health launched a review into the health effects of nitrate in drinking water earlier this year, with groups such as Greenpeace long-arguing for a reduction in the maximum acceptable value of nitrate in drinking water for Aotearoa New Zealand. So, to learn more about what the study found, Producer Theo spoke to its lead author, the University of Canterbury's Associate Professor Tim Chambers.

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

This week on the Monday Wire...  For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about newly announced ACT candidate Paul Henry, default union membership, and scrutiny over the ban on puberty blockers. They also spoke to Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad about problems with the proposed move-on orders bill and particularly how it can impact young people in Aotearoa.  Wednesday Wire producer Theo spoke to University of Canterbury Associate Professor Tim Chambers about the impacts of nitrate levels on pre-term births.  And Monday Wire producer spoke with Dr Terryann Clark, the Cure Kids Professorial Chair in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Auckland, about banning social media for under 16-year-olds in Aotearoa.

Last week, the ACT Party announced that former broadcaster Paul Henry will be running as a candidate in this year's election. Henry has been subject to some controversy in the past, with derogatory comments made towards multiple public figures during his time as a breakfast show host.  Also last week, the Green Party announced a policy of default union membership, meaning that a person will be automatically signed up for the appropriate union when they start a new job. The ACT Party says this policy impedes on personal freedoms, though the Greens have reiterated that people can still leave unions.  Lastly, the government's ban on puberty blockers has been under scrutiny following a court case from the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa. The association has put forward multiple critiques, primarily that the ban appears to be based in ideology rather than medical evidence.  For this week's catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with Paul Henry's appointment as a candidate.

A New Zealand parliamentary inquiry has backed stronger regulation of social media, including a possible ban for users under 16. Supporters argue a ban could protect young people from addictive platforms, harmful content and worsening mental health. But University of Auckland researchers say the evidence does not support blaming social media as the main cause of rising youth distress. To discuss this, Producer Pranuja spoke with Dr Terryann Clark, the Cure Kids Professorial Chair in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Auckland.

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

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

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

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