Podcast appearances and mentions of urban issues

Liz does a deep-dive into regional spatial planning, which is a new mandated requirement in the Planning Bill.

Last week we received a call from a resident staying at one of the City of Cape Town’s homeless safe spaces, raising concerns about conditions at the Ebenezer Safe Space, particularly around ablution facilities, overcrowding, and pressure on basic services. The caller, Zachary Olsen, acknowledged the City’s broader support efforts for people experiencing homelessness, but described strain on infrastructure due to high occupancy levels and limited facilities. The City of Cape Town responded to these concerns on air, with Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, speaking to Lester Kiewit about conditions at safe spaces, maintenance of facilities, and how the City is managing demand in its emergency accommodation network. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill dicusses two topics related to how territory is divided up. First, the announcement that local councils need to come up with plans for amalgamation, and what a recent court ruling says about cross-leases, and what it means for renovations and development for a homeowner.

Liz looks at the Planning Bill, which is part of the legislative reform of the RMA, and what it means. 

Following earlier conversations that began with a listener call from Table Mountain and an in-studio interview that drew strong interest, Vincent Van der Zeer returns to speak to Lester Kiewit in a follow up discussion about life living without a fixed home. Vincent reflects on what has been happening since they last spoke, the ongoing realities of homelessness, and the challenges of navigating day-to-day life while living on Table Mountain. He also shares his perspective on current affairs, including the Constitutional Court ruling ordering Cash Paymaster Services to pay R81.3 million to the South African Social Security Agency, offering his thoughts on accountability and systems in South Africa. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How urban design can build resilience - particularly in a fuel crisis. 

Is it possible to have a city made up of three distinct cities, separated by large areas of land, and still think of it as one coherent urban system?

Auckland's housing plans change, again. Bill looks at what it means for councils, zoning, and residents.

Liz breaks down the impact the National Policy Statements will have on planners and developers.

What's in store for 2026? Bill McKay looks at how government policy and election promises may impact the urban environment. 

Bill McKay unpacks the long-awaited replacement for the Resource Management Act. Who are the winners, losers, and how will it work in practice.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Bill discusses the recently changed laws around building a granny flat on your land. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

BLISS: WEST COAST URBAN ISSUES AND THE PACK FIRE Guest: Jeff Bliss Seattle elected socialist Kate Wilson, who wants public grocery stores. The Luxor Pyramid in Las Vegas has installed a massive slide for visitors. Both San Francisco and Santa Monica are seeing major business failures and mall auctions due to unchecked crime and vagrancy. Los Angeles Mayor Bass requested citizen help for cleanup before the Olympics. Meanwhile, the 3,000-acre Pack Fire in Mono County is being aided by heavy rain. 1926

SHOW 11-14-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE ECONOMY. FIRST HOUR 9-915 BLISS: WEST COAST URBAN ISSUES AND THE PACK FIRE Guest: Jeff Bliss Seattle elected socialist Kate Wilson, who wants public grocery stores. The Luxor Pyramid in Las Vegas has installed a massive slide for visitors. Both San Francisco and Santa Monica are seeing major business failures and mall auctions due to unchecked crime and vagrancy. Los Angeles Mayor Bass requested citizen help for cleanup before the Olympics. Meanwhile, the 3,000-acre Pack Fire in Mono County is being aided by heavy rain. 915-930 MCTAGUE: LANCASTER COUNTY ECONOMY AND AI FEAR Guest: Jim McTague Reports from Lancaster County show a strong local economy: a metal forming company is "busy as they've ever been" and actively hiring, and the mall is packed with shoppers. Tourism is thriving, exemplified by sold-out shows at the Sight and Sound Theater. However, a persistent fear of AI-driven layoffs exists among retirees, despite no personal connection to the issue. Data centers supporting AI are rapidly being built in the area. 930-945 A. THE FILIBUSTER AND CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Epstein discusses the filibuster's purpose: slowing down legislation to improve deliberation and mitigate hyper-partisanship. However, he argues its use against continuing resolutions is illegitimate, leading to "horrendous dislocation." He proposes changing the Senate rule to forbid filibusters on continuing resolutions, ensuring essential government functions are not held hostage for collateral political gain and maintaining fiscal continuity. 945-1000 B. BBC DEFAMATION AND THE NEED FOR REFORM Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Epstein discusses the BBC's alleged defamation of President Trump through edited footage. Unlike US law, British defamation has a low bar, though damages may be smaller. Epstein contends that the BBC's reputational damage is enormous and suggests the institution is "thoroughly rotten" due to corruption and political capture. He advocates for cleansing the operation and breaking up the public monopoly. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 BRANDON-WEICHERT: AI'S IMPACT ON JOBS AND GEOPOLITICS Guest: Brandon Weichert High-profile layoffs at Amazon and Walmart are tied to AI replacing roles, fitting the anticipated economic transformation, though it may initially look like a bubble. The US leads in AI software, while China excels in robotics. Concerns exist regarding massive AI bets by industry leaders like Ellison and Altman, specifically whether their political ties could result in taxpayer bailouts if these huge projects fail. 1015-1030 FIORI: ITALIAN HERITAGE TRAINS AND POLITICAL DISPUTES Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Italy is launching heritage Christmas trains like the Espresso Monaco and Espresso Assisi, restoring old coaches and locomotives for tourists. Deputy PM Salvini is publicly criticizing aid to Ukraine, linking it to corruption, potentially as a strategy to regain consensus and boost his party's falling popularity. Nationwide student protests are occurring over school reform and the Palestine issue. Milan is preparing for Christmas celebrations. 1030-1045 A. COMMERCIAL SPACE ACHIEVEMENTS AND POLICY SHIFTS Guest: Bob Zimmerman Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully launched and landed its first stage vertically, becoming only the second company to achieve orbital stage reuse, despite its slow operational pace. VAST, a US commercial space station startup, signed a cooperation deal with Uzbekistan, possibly including flying an astronaut to its Haven One module. France announced a new, market-oriented national space policy, significantly increasing budgets and embracing capitalism via public-private partnerships. 1045-1100 B. GOLDSTONE FAILURE AND SUPERNOVA DISCOVERY Guest: Bob Zimmerman NASA's Goldstone antenna, a critical link in the Deep Space Network, is out of service due to an embarrassing error where it was over-rotated, twisting the cables. This impacts communications with interplanetary and Artemis missions. Separately, new astronomical data from a supernova explosion shows the initial eruption was not symmetrical but bipolar, pushing material and light along the star's poles, refining explosion models. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 1. JOSEPHUS AND THE SIEGE OF JODAPATA Guest: Professor Barry Strauss The Jewish revolt against Rome, starting in 66 AD, is primarily chronicled by Josephus, a leader of the revolt and later historian. Josephus commanded the defense of Jodapata against General Vespasian. After defeat, Josephus survived a mass suicide pact, surrendered, and convinced Vespasian not to kill him by predicting he would become Roman emperor. The rebels were inspired by previous victories like the Maccabees. 1115-1130 2. TITUS'S SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Nero's forced suicide in 68 AD and the subsequent chaos confirmed Josephus's prophecy, leading to Vespasian being proclaimed emperor in 69 AD. Vespasian left his son Titus to lay siege to Jerusalem in 70 AD. Though Jerusalem was a strong fortress, the defenders were critically weakened by infighting among three rebel factions and their own destruction of the city's necessary grain supply. 1130-1145 3. SURVIVAL DURING THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Before the siege of Jerusalem was sealed, two foundational groups fled: Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakai, smuggled out to Yavneh to establish Rabbinic Judaism, and the followers of Jesus, who went to Pella. Titus focused the Roman assault on the city's weakest point, the northern wall. The overconfident Romans were repeatedly frustrated by Jewish defenders using effective irregular tactics, including raids and undermining siege equipment. 1145-1200 4. THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE AND MASADA Guest: Professor Barry Strauss The Flavians decided to completely destroy Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD, an act of extreme Roman imperialism that left the city in ruins. Afterwards, Judea was upgraded to a formal Roman province with a governor and the 10th Legion quartered in Jerusalem. Four years later, the siege of Masada ended with the alleged suicide of defenders, though archaeological evidence remains controversial among scholars. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 US Greenlights ROK Enrichment, Raising Proliferation Fears Guest: Henry Sokolski, Executive Director of the Non-Proliferation Policy Education Center The US agreement to support the Republic of South Korea's civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful uses is viewed by Sokolski as a movement toward proliferation. Sokolski notes that this decision greenlights the ROK—a treaty ally with a history of attempting to use its civil programs to make nuclear weapons—to a position similar to Iran's. The ROK successfully leveraged the inconsistency of US policy, pointing out that Japan has permission to enrich and reprocess fuel and possesses a massive plutonium stockpile. Granting the ROK these capabilities sets a concerning precedent, potentially compelling the US to allow other countries like Saudi Arabia to seek similar nuclear options. The proliferation concern is heightened further by the ROK's desire for a nuclear-powered submarine, which could lead to pursuit of a full nuclear weapons triad. 1215-1230 SOKOLSKI: CHINA'S CONVENTIONAL ICBM THREAT Guest: Henry Sokolski The US military is concerned China's PLA may field a conventionally armed ICBM able to strike the continental US. Such missiles could use maneuverable front ends to evade defenses and deliver autonomous drones. This weapon might target civil infrastructure to intimidate the US and deter intervention during a Taiwan conflict. This prospect is opening up a new and puzzling area of strategic warfare requiring urgent strategic assessment. 1230-1245 A. RARE EARTHS: CHINA'S MONOPOLY AND AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY Guest: David Archibald China's predatory pricing previously achieved a rare earth monopoly, damaging competitors like Lynas, which almost went bankrupt. Australia, via companies like Lynas and Iluka, is being eyed by the US as a non-Chinese source for rare earths critical for high-end electronics and defense. Processing is complex, requiring many steps, and often occurs in places like Malaysia. 1245-100 AM B. HIGH-TEMPERATURE RARE EARTHS AND PREDATORY PRICING Guest: David Archibald The most desirable rare earths, Dysprosium and Terbium, allow magnets to function at high temperatures. China is now sourcing 40% of its supply of these from Myanmar. Though Australia produces these, structural oversupply is a risk. Subsidies, like the floor price given to MP Materials, may be necessary to prevent Chinese predatory pricing from killing off non-commercial producers seeking market dominance.

What's the deal with purchasing off the plans? Bill discusses how homebuyers can protect themselves when buying a house that hasn't been built yet. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Bill discusses the planned changes for legislation affecting earthquake-prone buildings. 

Bill looks at Simplicity Living's model and says it can produce apartment buildings cheaper, faster and better. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Bill discusses proposed new planning rules in Auckland - and the impact that local elections has on debate. 

Bill McKay dissects the recent proposed changes to the building consent regime, which includes a plan to move to a proportionate liability scheme.

Bill reflects on a talk last week that has provoked some thoughts, and ruffled a few feathers, about the philosophy of planning.

Urban issues correspondent Bill McKay looks at a future where our skies are filled with drones. 

Bill discusses what happens to flood-damaged property. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Urban issues correspondent Bill McKay discusses the government's decision to introduce a bill to demolish Wellington's Gordon Wilson Flats.

Bill McKay delves into the tranche of government policy released last week that opens the door to granny flat and papakainga developments

In this heated episode, Opie and Ron dive into the frustrations of living in New York City, exposing the city's relentless pursuit of revenue through parking tickets and congestion pricing. They debate the impact on small businesses and the working class, with Opie railing against the system as a scam that burdens the "little guy," while Ron defends congestion pricing's benefits, citing stats on reduced travel times and increased business sales. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Opie reflects on his decade of fame, sharing candid stories of luxury, privilege, and the fleeting nature of celebrity. From encounters with stars like Sarah Jessica Parker and Judd Apatow to the humbling loss of status, Opie opens up about making amends and staying grounded. Packed with raw opinions, personal anecdotes, and a viral video nod, this episode is a gritty blend of urban critique and showbiz confessions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland

Gabrielle Kervella's life story is as rich and layered as the cheeses she crafts

Bill takes a look at the announced amendment to the Public Works Act. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

When money is tight, what becomes of 'nice to have' public art pieces? Bill McKay on urban issues.

Timothy Welch, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland, discusses Auckland's rail closures and the lifting of speed limits on roads. 

Urban issues with  Bill McKay

Granny flats - not just for grannies. Last week the government released feedback on the consultation to liberalise granny flat rules, and no surprise, there were a huge number of submissions.

Jeanette Budgett is Programme Director of the Master of Architecture (Professional) at UNITEC Institute of Technology. She discusses frustrations with noise as Auckland Council considers an application for a helipad on a private waterfront site in Westmere.

There has been a lot of discussion. and protest, about the environmental impact of the Fast-track Approvals Bill. Bill focuses on housing and a couple of urban projects.

There has been a lot of discussion and protest about the environmental impact of the Fast-track Approvals Bill. 

Check out this week's episode of the 280+ Podcast, where we dive into the shocking accusations surrounding Diddy and Jay-Z! In this episode, I, your host Los_Def, bring you exclusive insights into this viral story, unraveling the latest claims made by Jaguar Wright. We also dive into the impact of the recent Port Workers Strike and how it affects our economy. Plus, don't miss our Beetlejuice Beetlejuice review—it's a nostalgic trip with modern twists! Join us as we explore these topics and more, including NBA trades and true crime revelations from Jeffrey Dahmer's alleged plug. Prepare to be inspired and entertained as we mix comedy, parenting tips, and sports insights. Tune in now and join us in exploring the stories making waves on your timeline. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates! #podcast #recap #review #portworkersstrike #truecrime #comedy #parenting #NBA #viralvideos #exclusiveinsights CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 04:41 - ILA Strike, Port Workers, Dockworkers Union 07:17 - ILA Demands, Labor Rights, Negotiations 17:49 - Automation, Technology Impact, Workforce Changes 19:02 - What the Union Got, Benefits, Achievements 20:20 - What We Import, Trade Goods, Economy 22:54 - Jaguar Wright, Diddy Accusations, Jay Z Controversy 34:25 - Beetlejuice 2 Review, Movie Analysis, Film Discussion 41:20 - Jeffrey Dahmer Drug Dealer Reacts, True Crime, Reaction Video 49:00 - What if the hood knew about Dylann Roof, Social Commentary, Community Awareness 51:29 - We always let them settle in nicely, Urban Issues, Integration 56:05 - Why would he lie about Dylann Roof, Truth vs. Lies, Public Perception 58:57 - Knicks and T-Wolves Trade, NBA Trades, Team Dynamics 1:03:44 - How the T-Wolves and Knicks Fared in the Trade, Trade Analysis, Team Performance 1:08:54 - NCAA Approves First Helmet with Heads-Up Display, Sports Innovation, Technology in Sports 1:12:50 - Packers Update, NFL News, Team Status 1:15:30 - Romeo Doubs Misses Practice, Player Updates, Injury Report 1:21:39 - Outro

Why do we have lawns? Bill McKay explains how they started and why they've stayed.

Bill has the second part of a citizens guide on what you can do if you don't like a big building proposal near you.

Bill joins Kathryn to talk about what happens if there's a development planned for your town or neighbourhood that you object to? Some residents in Wanaka and Tirau are fighting proposals for fast-food joints. He talks through the consenting process and what people can do if they don't like a particular proposal. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Bill examines how New Zealand First's 'Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill' might work up against the Building Code. Are there really men's, women's and unisex toilets everywhere as Winston Peters has suggested?

What would you do if your local council or the Government asked to buy your house? It happened to Bill McKay recently, under the Public Works Act.

Wynn Rosser, PhD is a place-based rural funder. His work at T.L.L. Temple Foundation focuses on 22 counties in rural east Texas and he brings with him Texas-sized empathy. Rosser shares concrete examples of the interconnectedness between funding in urban and rural communities. Rosser also touches on the value of working at a strategy and policy level for larger impact and what can happen if philanthropy turns a blind eye to policy and legislation.

As more people work remotely New Zealand is seeing a hollowing out of inner cities which poses questions over how to sustain central area populations and the use of commercial buildings and carparking buildings. 

The Spadina Expressway was one of five urban highways that were nearly built in Toronto in the 70s. The plan would have bulldozed neighbourhoods so that suburban commuters had a direct route to drive downtown. But campaigners like Bobbi Speck and Jane Jacobs stopped it, saving iconic neighbourhoods like The Annex. Today, Toronto is one of the worst cities in the world for traffic. Should the expressway have been built anyway? We tell the story of the grassroots movement to stop Spadina with the people who were there firsthand. Does the movement perhaps offer tips on how to solve Toronto's notoriously bad traffic?

Bill McKay looks at an interesting new fellowship from The NZ Institute of Architects: $20,000 for someone to research "public housing challenges in Aotearoa" and "explore solutions". Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Bill McKay discusses Te Matawai, Kainga Ora's new 276 apartment complex in central Auckland. Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.

Bill McKay is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Auckland.