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The Wire

Listen back to features and interviews from 95bFM's daily news and current affairs show. Jessica Hopkins, Castor Chacko, Nicholas Lindstrom, and Caeden Tipler focus on the issues of Tāmaki Makaurau and elsewhere in independent-thinking bFM style. Monday-Thursday 12-1pm on 95bFM.

Issues with the term “One-In-100-Year” event w/ Doctor Lauren Vinnell: 15 February 2024

Issues with the term “One-In-100-Year” event w/ Doctor Lauren Vinnell: 15 February 2024 Issues with the term “One-In-100-Year” event w/ Doctor Lauren Vinnell: 15 February 2024, 8.92 MB
Thu 15 Feb 2024

The term “one-in-100-year event” is often used to describe extreme weather events such as last year’s Cyclone Gabrielle. However, the term can generate misconceptions about probability and change the way the public reacts to such events. 

Producer Castor spoke to Lecturer of Emergency Management at Massey University’s Joint Center for Disaster Research, Doctor Lauren Vinnell about the term and the consequences of its use.

Increasing Benefit Sanctions and Israel’s Ground Invasion of Rafah w/ Green Party Co-Leader, James Shaw: 14 February, 2024

Increasing Benefit Sanctions and Israel’s Ground Invasion of Rafah w/ Green Party Co-Leader, James Shaw: 14 February, 2024 Increasing Benefit Sanctions and Israel’s Ground Invasion of Rafah w/ Green Party Co-Leader, James Shaw: 14 February, 2024, 8.78 MB
Wed 14 Feb 2024

For our weekly catch-up, News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to Green Party Co-Leader James Shaw about the government’s plans to increase benefit sanctions and decrease the rate at which benefits increase annually.

They also discussed Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters meeting with Israel's Ambassador to New Zealand.

Union members strike at Yoobee w/ Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem: 14 February, 2024

Union members strike at Yoobee w/ Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem: 14 February, 2024 Union members strike at Yoobee w/ Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem: 14 February, 2024, 2.38 MB
Wed 14 Feb 2024

Yesterday union members at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation campuses across the motu went on strike for four and a half hours after failed collective agreement negotiations that have been going on since September 2022.

News teamer Faith spoke to Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem, about why their members took strike action.

Cancer Services in Marae and Community Settings w/ Dr George Laking: 14 February, 2024

Cancer Services in Marae and Community Settings w/ Dr George Laking: 14 February, 2024 Cancer Services in Marae and Community Settings w/ Dr George Laking: 14 February, 2024 , 9.74 MB
Wed 14 Feb 2024

Cancer is close to taking over from heart disease as New Zealand’s number one killer.

In response to this, a new initiative is aiming to take cancer services out of hospitals into marae and other community settings.

News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to Medical Oncologist, Dr George Laking, about this.

Government Re-Introducing Referendums on Māori Wards w/ Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn District Council Mayor, Sam Broughton: 14 February, 2024

Government Re-Introducing Referendums on Māori Wards w/ Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn District Council Mayor, Sam Broughton: 14 February, 2024 Government Re-Introducing Referendums on Māori Wards w/ Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn District Council Mayor, Sam Broughton: 14 February, 2024, 313.66 KB
Wed 14 Feb 2024

The coalition government plans to make Māori wards go through a referendum process.

Previously, Māori wards could be overturned with a referendum - but this rule did not apply to any other wards.

News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn District Council Mayor, Sam Broughton, about their opposition to this.

Pop Music and Queerness in Aotearoa w/ Jason Parker: February 14th 2024

Pop Music and Queerness in Aotearoa w/ Jason Parker: February 14th 2024 Pop Music and Queerness in Aotearoa w/ Jason Parker: February 14th 2024, 16.23 MB
Wed 14 Feb 2024

Queer musicians have a unique relationship with pop music, especially here in Aotearoa, where the queer pop music scene is thriving. 

Musician Jason Parker, who has just released his first EP, "How To Be Lonely", is producing the "Little Gay In" , a live showcase to celebrate queer music and build the community. Olivia talked to Jason about his personal experience with pop music, the history of queer pop music, and the importance of queer music events.

Get Action! The Welfare System's Relationship Regulations w/ Vanessa Cole: February 14th, 2024

Get Action! The Welfare System's Relationship Regulations w/ Vanessa Cole: February 14th, 2024 Get Action! The Welfare System's Relationship Regulations w/ Vanessa Cole: February 14th, 2024, 16.29 MB
Wed 14 Feb 2024

Our welfare system has regulations surrounding relationships, which can greatly impact the amount of welfare entitlement they receive. A person's benefits can be greatly reduced if they are in a relationship, which includes casual dating. 

Many have criticised these regulations, saying it prevents people from entering relationships due to fears of losing their benefits, and risks trapping people in unsafe relationships due to forced financial dependence. Olivia spoke to Fairer Future spokesperson, and ActionStation campaigner, Vanessa Cole, about the issues with these regulations, and the action the government should take.

The Wire w/ Jessica: 14 February, 2023

The Wire w/ Jessica: 14 February, 2023 The Wire w/ Jessica: 14 February, 2023, 49.02 MB
Wed 14 Feb 2024

For our regular catch-up with the Green Party, News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to co-leader, James Shaw, about the government’s plans to increase benefit sanctions and Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah.

She talked to Local Government New Zealand President and Selwyn District Council Mayor, Sam Broughton, about the government re-introducing referendums on Māori wards.

And she spoke to Medical Oncologist, Dr George Laking, about an initiative taking cancer services into marae and other community settings.

News teamer Faith spoke to Tertiary Education Union organiser, Drew Mayhem, about union members at Yoobee College of Creative Innovation striking yesterday.

Producer Olivia spoke to musician Jason Parker about the relationship between pop music and queerness in Aotearoa, and his event, the “Little Gay In”.

And for Get Action! this week, she spoke to Fairer Future spokesperson, Vanessa Cole, about our welfare system’s restrictive relationship regulations.

Regenerative Farming on Symonds Street w Jake Clarke: 13 February, 2024

Regenerative Farming on Symonds Street w Jake Clarke: 13 February, 2024 Regenerative Farming on Symonds Street w Jake Clarke: 13 February, 2024, 19.08 MB
Tue 13 Feb 2024

Wedged in between a city-rail link office and an empty building is a netball-sized green sanctuary; otherwise known as OMG: the Organic Market Garden farm.

Charity organisation For The Love of Bees revitalised the small block of land into a regenerative farm that provides vegetables for over 40 families alongside hosting bee-friendly workshops.

The garden is an outlier in the way its farming benefits the soil and ecosystem in stark comparison to western practice, which are the leading cause of soil degradation.

Sofia spoke to Head Farmer Jake Clarke about the garden and its nourishment of both soil and community

Pre-Sentencing Cultural Background Reports w Action Against Poverty Coordinator Brooke Pao Stanely: 13 February, 2024

Pre-Sentencing Cultural Background Reports w Action Against Poverty Coordinator Brooke Pao Stanely: 13 February, 2024 Pre-Sentencing Cultural Background Reports w Action Against Poverty Coordinator Brooke Pao Stanely: 13 February, 2024, 8.62 MB
Tue 13 Feb 2024

The government's decision to remove funding for pre-sentencing cultural background reports has faced criticism from advocates, particularly for how it could impact Maaori and Pasifika.

News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to Action Against Poverty Coordinator, Brooke Stanely Pao, about their recommendations for how the government could better reduce crime in Aotearoa.

The vandalisation of the Karangahape Road Rainbow crossing, the end of half-price fares, and Wayne Brown’s relationship with Auckland Tranport w/ Lotu Fuli: 28 March, 2024.

The vandalisation of the Karangahape Road Rainbow crossing, the end of half-price fares, and Wayne Brown’s relationship with Auckland Tranport w/ Lotu Fuli: 28 March, 2024. , 15.65 MB
Thu 28 Mar 2024

For City Counselling this week, Wire host Caeden spoke with Counsellor Lotu Fuli about the early morning vandalisation of the Rainbow Crossing on Karangahape Road.

They also ask about the end of half-price fares for under 25s, and the relationship Wayne Brown, as well as Auckland Council more generally, has with Auckland Transport.

Get Action! w Susan Maiava, Co-founder of Fair & Good

Get Action! Modern Slavery Legislation w Susan Maiava Co-founder of Fair & Good Get Action! Modern Slavery Legislation w Susan Maiava Co-founder of Fair & Good, 14.86 MB
Wed 27 Mar 2024

It is estimated that 50 million people worldwide are currently involved in some form of slavery. Many of those who have been enslaved for their labour, and work as child labourers, produce goods that we import and consume on a regular basis here in Aotearoa. 

Currently, there is no existing legislation in Aotearoa that requires companies to disclose the source of their goods, or to ensure that their products are being ethically produced; giving them free rein to indulge in modern slavery in order to cut their production costs. 

Producer Oto spoke to Dr Susan Maiava, Co-Founder of the ethical directory Fair & Good who have created a petition and open letter urging the government to introduce modern slavery legislation.

Dear Science w/ Doctor Cushla McGoverin: 26th March, 2024.

Dear Science w/ Doctor Cushla McGoverin: 26th March, 2024. , 26.1 MB
Tue 26 Mar 2024

This week on Dear Science, Wire host Castor chats with Doctor Cushla McGoverin about an ancient penguin on WoRMS' top ten newly identified marine species, preserved brain tissue, and genetically modified cows milk producing insulin

Youth Vaping, Public Sector Cuts, and Special Visa Category for Palestinians w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 25 March, 2024

Youth Vaping, Public Sector Cuts, and Special Visa Category for Palestinians w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 25 March, 2024 Youth Vaping, Public Sector Cuts, and Special Visa Category for Palestinians w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 25 March, 2024, 9.4 MB
Mon 25 Mar 2024

For their weekly interview, News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to ACT’s Simon Court about the government’s new measures aimed at reducing youth vaping, significant cuts to the Ministries for Primary Industries and Health as directed by the government, and calls from more than 30 organisations, including World Vision, Save the Children, and Greenpeace, for the government to create a special humanitarian visa for Palestinians in Gaza with family connections to New Zealand.

The students at Freyberg High School and Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech w/ Jan Tinetti: 21 March, 2024

The students at Freyberg High School and Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech w/ Jan Tinetti: 21 March, 2024 The students at Freyberg High School and Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech w/ Jan Tinetti: 21 March, 2024, 13.98 MB
Thu 21 Mar 2024

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Caeden spoke to Labour Party spokesperson for Education and Women Jan Tinetti. They asked about Winston Peter’s comments comparing co-governance with Nazi Germany, the response to the Freyberg High School students performing a haka against David Seymour, and Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech yesterday. 

Improving Auckland’s Public Transport and w/ Shane Henderson: 21 March, 2024

Improving Auckland’s Public Transport and w/ Shane Henderson: 21 March, 2024 Improving Auckland’s Public Transport and w/ Shane Henderson: 21 March, 2024, 14.48 MB
Thu 21 Mar 2024

Yesterday the Western line was closed for some stops including between New Market and Britomart, while two Britomart stations remained closed due to KiwiRail maintenance issues. This won’t surprise commuters in Tāmaki Makaurau who are far too used to trains not running or turning up.

Caeden spoke to West Auckland based counsellor Shane Henderson about our public transport woes and the success of the cost-cutting budget. Here is that interview.

Dear Science w/ Professor Alan Blackman: 19th March, 2024.

Dear Science w/ Professor Alan Blackman: 19th March 2024. , 35.71 MB
Tue 19 Mar 2024

This week on Dear Science, Wire host Castor spoke to Professor Alan Blackman about how daylight savings impacts car crashes, how handwriting notes can improve memory, and a strange defense tactic used by Spanish ladybugs

Homeowner Rates Increases w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 18 March, 2024

Homeowner Rates Increases w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 18 March, 2024 Homeowner Rates Increases w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 18 March, 2024, 8.63 MB
Mon 18 Mar 2024

Homeowners across the motu are facing an average rates rise of 15 percent in the next year.

Councils say they need to balance the need for investment with affordable rates increases, but that budgetary pressures have reached a “tipping point”.

For their weekly interview, News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to ACT’s Simon Court about their party’s stance on investing in local infrastructure, amid the government reducing funding for public transport.

The backlash to ending free school lunches and International Womens Day w/ Jan Tinetti: 14 March, 2024

The backlash to ending free school lunches and International Womens Day w/ Jan Tinetti: 14 March, 2024 The backlash to ending free school lunches and International Womens Day w/ Jan Tinetti: 14 March, 2024, 19.12 MB
Thu 14 Mar 2024

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Caeden speaks to Labour’s Jan Tinneti about the backlash from educators towards a Government proposal to cut free lunches in schools. 

They also ask about last weeks International Women’s Day, and what more needs to be down for women in Aotearoa and overseas.

Get Action! w Ngāti Kahu o Torongare: 13 March, 2024

Get Action! w Ngāti Kahu o Torongare: 13 March, 2024 Get Action! w Ngāti Kahu o Torongare: 13 March, 2024, 11.58 MB
Wed 13 Mar 2024

For Get Action!, Ngāti Kahu o Torongare joins producer Sofia Kent to talk about their current petition that stands against a series of land injustices.

Wāhi tapu of Whangārei, Te Kamo is battling an approved consent that will see 93 homes built upon sacred Onoke Pā.

Though having been legally recognised as wāhi tapu (sacred land), the council has chosen to ignore significant cultural importance in lieu of urban development.

Nicki Wakefield begins by explaining the significance of Onoke Pā.