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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.

Section 27 Cultural Reports w/ Kris Gledhill: February 21st, 2024

Section 27 Cultural Reports w/ Kris Gledhill: February 21st, 2024 Section 27 Cultural Reports w/ Kris Gledhill: February 21st, 2024, 16.98 MB
Wed 21 Feb 2024

The government has announced its intention to scrap legal funding for section 27 cultural reports. These reports are used in court sentencing for judges to learn more about the offenders’ cultural background and their lives. This decision has been criticised, with experts saying that scrapping reports would make trials slower and more expensive, and would negatively impact Māori. 

Olivia talked to Professor of Law at AUT, Kris Gledhill, about this decision, the issues with it, and how Aotearoa New Zealand compares with other countries.

The Wire: 21st February, 2024

The Wire: 21st February, 2024 The Wire: 21st February, 2024, 96.56 MB
Wed 21 Feb 2024

Producer Olivia spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland Law School, Vernon Rive, about the Smith and Fonterra climate change court case. 

She also spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland’s Department of Commercial Law, Gehan Gunasekara, about Foodstuffs’ facial recognition trial.

And she spoke to Professor of Law at AUT, Kris Gledhill, about the Government's decision to scrap legal aid for section 27 cultural reports.

Three Waters reform and queer issues w/ National's James Meager: 20 February 2024

Three Waters reform and queer issues w/ National's James Meager: 20 February 2024 Three Waters reform and queer issues w/ National's James Meager: 20 February 2024, 20.98 MB
Tue 20 Feb 2024

The Labour Party’s controversial Three Waters reforms were repealed last week. National’s replacement plan seeks to address the complaints of many who pushed back against the bill, while maintaining support for challenged regions. 

Additionally, this Sunday saw National Leader Christopher Luxon pushed out of the yearly Big Gay Out event by protestors. Amongst other issues, the protestors are standing against proposed changes to the school curriculum, removing and replacing gender, sexuality, and relationship-based education guidelines. 

Producer Castor spoke to National’s James Meager about the Three Waters replacement, including recent environmental concerns. He also discusses the curriculum changes, and how the National Party supports queer young people.

Science Research Funding Cuts w Professor Troy Baisden: 20 February, 2024

Science Research Funding Cuts w Professor Troy Baisden: 20 February, 2024 Science Research Funding Cuts w Professor Troy Baisden: 20 February, 2024, 15.07 MB
Tue 20 Feb 2024

National's government announced the axing of Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways: a large science reform program set up only last year.

It has left scientists concerned that budget cuts will further hit the already struggling sector; including the end of an 11-ten-year collaborative science programme known as the National Science Challenge

Producer Sofia Kent spoke to Professor Troy Baisden, the Co-President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists, about what the future of science research looks like in Aotearoa.

The Wire w/ Milly: 20 February, 2024

The Wire w/ Milly: 20 February, 2024 The Wire w/ Milly: 20 February, 2024 , 100.52 MB
Tue 20 Feb 2024

This week on The Wire, Milly rejoins the news team for a fleeting moment alongside her producer Sofia! Castor speaks to National's James Meager about the Three Waters replacement and changes to the sex and gender school curriculum, Sofia speaks to Gerard Rushton Chairman of Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa about vaccines and first year university students, as well as  Professor Troy Baisden, the Co-President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists, talking about impending cuts in the science sector. There's also Dear Science with Alan Blackman. Do not be surprised by impromptu updates on Grant Robinson's resignation from parliment!

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.

Smith vs Fonterra Case w/ Amanda Larsson: 15 February, 2024

Smith vs Fonterra Case w/ Amanda Larsson: 15 February, 2024 Smith vs Fonterra Case w/ Amanda Larsson: 15 February, 2024, 12.6 MB
Thu 15 Feb 2024

The Supreme Court found that Northland iwi leader Mike Smith (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) has the right to sue seven big polluters in Aotearoa New Zealand, including Fonterra, Genesis Energy and Z Energy for their role in contributing to climate change. The ruling also denies these companies from attempting to strike out the case, and it will now continue to trial.

Beth spoke to Head of Campaigns for Greenpeace Aotearoa, Amanda Larssen, about this win, and its significance for our climate.

City Counselling w/ Lotu Fuli: 15 February, 2024

City Counselling w/ Lotu Fuli: 15 February, 2024 City Counselling w/ Lotu Fuli: 15 February, 2024, 8.88 MB
Thu 15 Feb 2024

The National Party has scrapped the Regional Fuel Tax and Mayor Wayne Brown has ordered that all work by Auckland Transport on projects funded by the tax is to be stopped.

Beth spoke to Counsellor for Manukau, Lotu Fuli, about Wayne Brown’s decision, and to what extent these projects were integral to the future of the city.

How dating impacts benefits and Auckland a year on from the flooding w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 15 February 2024

How dating impacts benefits and Auckland a year on from the flooding w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 15 February 2024 How dating impacts benefits and Auckland a year on from the flooding w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 15 February 2024, 12.71 MB
Thu 15 Feb 2024

Yesterday on Valentine’s Day there were protests and renewed calls in the media about dating impacting the amount people can receive in benefits. For our weekly catch-up with Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni, Caeden asks about these renewed calls to review this status quo. 

They also ask about the situation in Tāmaki Makaurau just over a year since the Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding. 

The Government’s ‘war against nature’ w/ Russel Norman: 15 February, 2024

The Government’s ‘war against nature’ w/ Russel Norman: 15 February, 2024 The Government’s ‘war against nature’ w/ Russel Norman: 15 February, 2024, 12.79 MB
Thu 15 Feb 2024

Greenpeace has released a letter from the RMA reform Minister, Chris Bishop outlining plans to repeal environmental protection standards.

Last week Caeden spoke to Greenpeace Executive Director Russel Norman about this letter, and the Government’s environmental policies more broadly.

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.

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.

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. 

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.