Listen back to features and interviews from 95bFM's daily news and current affairs show. Castor Chacko, Alex Fox, Emmanuel Orange, and Caeden Tipler focus on the issues of Tāmaki Makaurau and elsewhere in independent-thinking bFM style. Monday-Thursday 12-1pm on 95bFM.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to MP Shanan Halbert about Labour’s portfolio reshuffle ahead of the election, phase two of the Royal Commission Inquiry into Covid-19, and the results of the select committee inquiry into social media harm and young people.
For International Desk this week, they spoke to Deakin University Research Fellow Dr Ali Mamouri about rising islamophobia in Australian politics.
For City Counselling this week, News Director Castor spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about March Madness and changes to PC 120.
And Producer Pranuja spoke with Dr Kelly Garton from the University of Auckland on her recent article comparing New Zealand's Healthy School Lunches Programme to Brazil’s. We discussed the budget cuts to New Zealand's lunch programme and what we could learn from Brazil’s long-running national free school meal scheme.
In February, Australian politician Pauline Hanson made headlines for an interview with Sky News where she suggested there are no “good” muslims.
Additionally, an independent report from last year found anti-Muslim incidents in Australia had “skyrocketed” since the start of the war in Gaza.
This has been amplified by the charged political environment in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack, and the government’s subsequent Plan to Combat Anti-Semitism, which conflated anti-Semitism with criticism of the state of Israel.
For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Research Fellow at Deakin University, Dr Ali Mamouri, about this rising Islamophobia in Australian politics and its consequences.
Last year, the govenment announced siginificant budget cuts to the school lunch programme formerly known as Ka Ora, Ka Ako, reducing the funding available per meal and reshaping how the programme is delivered in schools. Now, New Zealand's Healthy School Lunch Programme covers only a quarter of schools based on the Equity Index, reaching about 240,000 students, so more than half of children experiencing food insecurity do not attend school that recieve the programme.
New research by Dr Kelly Garton, a research fellow in the School of Population Health at the University of Auckland, and a spokesperson for Health Coalition Aotearoa, compares New Zealand’s programme with Brazil’s national school meal system, which has been running for over 70 years and is considered a global gold standard.
Producer Pranuja spoke with Dr Garton about what New Zealand could learn from Brazil’s approach to school meals, and what a stronger programme here might look like.
Labour has reshuffled its portfolios ahead of the election this year.
The Royal Commission Inquiry into Covid-19 has released its final report for phase two of the inquiry.
And the Education and Workforce Select Committee has released its final report on online harm and young people.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, I spoke to MP and member of the Education and Workforce Committee Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.
The Covid 19 Pandemic saw wide-reaching policy interventions to save lives, keeping our hospital open and emergency beds available. Over the course of lockdowns, traffic lights, vaccines and mandates, the government at the time found that increasingly vocal opposition grew in response to their efforts.
This opposition grew into a severe division that marked that period of time can be seen to this day.
The groups protesting the pandemic control measures often viewed these restrictions as conspiratorial threats or vast overreach that infringed their rights, while supporters of the governments actions saw them as neccessary steps to save lives.
Following an inquiry into our pandemic response done by the Labour government that found appropriate actions were taking and no wrongdoing, momentum grew in certain minor parties for another look.
This week, we saw the release of this with the release of a second inquiry.
To get her perspective on the second inquiry, Wire host Manny spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Doctor Siouxsie Wiles, about the Covid 19 inquiry and her takeaways on social trust and cohesion.
Recently, the government legalised their practice of clawing back welfare money from people who receive an ACC claim, leaving thousands of people in debt to the Ministry of Social Development, (MSD).
Last week, we also saw mixed messaging from the government over Iran. One such case saw the Prime Minister claim that those affected by the crisis would receive automatic visa coverage, contradicting his immigration minister.
Finally, a review of the Clean Vehicle Standard could be the final nail in the coffin of the previous Labour government's policies to build an electric vehicle market in New Zealand if the current government chooses to repeal the policy that fines importers who do not also bring in a high enough ratio of electric vehicles.
For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the Green Party’s response to the government's messaging on Iran, and the review of the clean vehicle standard, but began by talking about the legislation permitting the clawing back of welfare support from ACC recipients.
Last year, the government scrapped Pay Equity rules in a move that was widely panned due to its speed and lack of notice. A recent select committee looking into pay equity, as well as international women’s day on Sunday, has brought forth the issue once more into the political limelight.
Tuesday Wire Host Alex spoke with the TEU’s Te Pou Ahurei | National Secretary, Amy Ross, about the Pay Equity situation, the reality for those facing pay equity struggles in the time since their channels were scrapped and, crucially, the role that tertiary institutions, as employers and influential voices, can play in supporting New Zealanders, and advocating for a return to pay equity
Last week, the Education and Workforce select committee released its final report on an inquiry into social media's harm on young people. The report included 12 recommendations to the government on action to take which would protect tamariki online.
These recommendations included a social media ban for under 16s, establishing an independent national regulator for online safety and addressing legislative gaps to increase companies' liability for harm. Some MPs have disagreed with the report’s findings however, with the ACT party calling for a patient, rather than fast changing, approach to online restrictions.
To discuss the findings of the report and how the government should address online protection Producer Thomas spoke to Tāhono Trust member Anjum Rahmen.
For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about New Zealand’s response to the US/Israel/Iran conflict and about changes to how ACC payments interact with payments from the Ministry of Social Development.
They also spoke to Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, Gregory Treadwell, about a recent incident where Media and Communications minister Paul Goldsmith contacted a TVNZ board member about 1News coverage.
And Producer Thomas spoke to Tāhono Trust member Anjum Rahmen about the recently released Select Committee report on online harm to children and its recommended solutions.
He also talked to Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning Dr Tim Welch about Auckland’s March traffic madness and how public transport might be the answer.
The road congestion phenomenon known as “March Madness” which hits Auckland every year has begun, with Auckland Transport estimating travel times on Motorways will increase up to 41% this month.
The City Rail link is set to open later this year offering potential congestion relief in the future but Auckland Public Transport fares continue to increase, potentially offsetting this investment as a complete solution.
To discuss the extent of March congestion issues and how they can be solved Producer Thomas talked to Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning from the University of Auckland Dr Tim Welch.
Labour has reshuffled its portfolios ahead of the election this year.
The Royal Commission Inquiry into Covid-19 has released its final report for phase two of the inquiry.
And the Education and Workforce Select Committee has released its final report on online harm and young people.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, I spoke to MP and member of the Education and Workforce Committee Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.
In February, Australian politician Pauline Hanson made headlines for an interview with Sky News where she suggested there are no “good” muslims.
Additionally, an independent report from last year found anti-Muslim incidents in Australia had “skyrocketed” since the start of the war in Gaza.
This has been amplified by the charged political environment in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack, and the government’s subsequent Plan to Combat Anti-Semitism, which conflated anti-Semitism with criticism of the state of Israel.
For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Research Fellow at Deakin University, Dr Ali Mamouri, about this rising Islamophobia in Australian politics and its consequences.
Recently, the government legalised their practice of clawing back welfare money from people who receive an ACC claim, leaving thousands of people in debt to the Ministry of Social Development, (MSD).
Last week, we also saw mixed messaging from the government over Iran. One such case saw the Prime Minister claim that those affected by the crisis would receive automatic visa coverage, contradicting his immigration minister.
Finally, a review of the Clean Vehicle Standard could be the final nail in the coffin of the previous Labour government's policies to build an electric vehicle market in New Zealand if the current government chooses to repeal the policy that fines importers who do not also bring in a high enough ratio of electric vehicles.
For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the Green Party’s response to the government's messaging on Iran, and the review of the clean vehicle standard, but began by talking about the legislation permitting the clawing back of welfare support from ACC recipients.
Whaling has had a continued impact on whale populations in the South Pacific, with over two million whales lost to historical industrial whaling. Whale populations are seeing some population recovery since Soviet whaling ended in the 1970s. New techniques are allowing scientists to study the age structures, behaviours and songs of whales, and observe how these are changing as whale populations are recovering.
Wire Producer Liam spoke to Associate Professor Emma Carroll of the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences about the large study they conducted on a population of New Caledonian humpback whales looking at their changing behaviours and population dynamics across nearly twenty years.
Last week, Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith made headlines over instances of interactions with news media over the reporting on crime numbers. After Police Minister Mark Mitchell expressed dissatisfaction over coverage in a story, Goldsmith first contacted the journalist responsible for the story, and was then called by TVNZ chair Andrew Barclay, where the story was briefly discussed, although Goldsmith has denied any involvement in editorial decisions, with a follow up story published later.
Last week also saw the release of the select committees final report on Youth Harm Online, which, along with a number of recommendations, has suggested that a ban on social for under 16 year olds could be on the cards, with the government echoing similar plans.
This week, Tuesday Wire Host Alex spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, beginning by briefly discussing last week's Curia Poll results and murmurs around Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s leadership.
Last weekend saw the United States and Israel airstriking Iran, with Iran retaliating with strikes on Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The New Zealand government put out a press release soon after, condemning Iran for the strikes and for protest crackdown earlier this year.
While the press release and later communications from the government have called for all parties to follow international law, the government has offered little in criticism of the United States and Israel’s bombings. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, when asked if the strikes were legal, said it would be up to each country to provide a justification.
This past week also saw a new policy from the government that would look to reclaim ACC payments from those already receiving welfare payments. ACC claimants usually receive funding to support their inability to work, however those on the benefit will already be receiving such funds regardless. While there is cross-party support for a change that would remove this “double dipping”, the policy would also charge back some of those who have already benefited from this loophole.
The move has been criticised by opposition MPs, who say creating debt for already marginalised or vulnerable groups is unfair and morally questionable.
For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about the New Zealand government’s stance on conflict in the Middle East and issues with this new ACC policy change, beginning on the Middle East.
Auckland Council’s annual plan is currently in consultation, open until Sunday 29th of March. The plan focuses on two key areas for Auckland Council - public transport and water infrastructure.
The public transport element is particularly focused on the opening of the City Rail Link, which council says will massively boost public transport capacity and connectivity across Auckland. The operational costs of the CRL, among other reasons, will contribute to an 8% rates increase for the average-value residential property in 2026/2027.
The water infrastructure upgrades are also significant, as they follow years of countrywide water infrastructure neglect. As wastewater issues are seen across the country in recent weeks and months, Auckland Transport is looking to make infrastructure upgrades to avoid similar scenarios.
This past week has also seen the government propose move-on orders for rough sleepers in cities across the country. The move-on orders have been criticised by some, who say they unnecessarily punish our most vulnerable populations.
For City Counselling this week, News Director Castor spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about each of these issues, beginning with the annual plan.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has stated that the United States and Israel breached international law with their bombing of Iran, especially with the strike that killed 150 people at a primary girls’ school.
While former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark says New Zealand should not provide military support for “an illegal invasion” of Iran.
And the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey has published its latest results for the year leading up to October 2025.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to MP Shanan Halbert about both of these topics.
Over the weekend, the US and Israel began conducting bombing strikes on Iran, already killing Iran’s Supreme Leader - Ayatollah Khamenei - close to 50 Iranian leaders, and hundreds of civilians - including - according to Iranian state media - at least 153 civilians at a school for children between the ages of seven and twelve.
The strikes have been met with criticism from experts in New Zealand, who have condemned the strikes as illegal under international law. However, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, have so far expressed neither explicit support nor criticism of the United States and Israel’s bombing campaign.
Shipping and energy costs have already been impacted by the war, with the costs of liquid natural gas rapidly increasing, demonstrating the risks of the government’s plan to build a liquid natural gas terminal in Taranaki in introducing greater price shock vulnerability to New Zealand’s energy system.
Meanwhile, the people’s select committee on pay equity - a coalition of women who formerly served as MPs - published their findings on the government’s passing of the Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025, with recommendations that the legislation be scrapped, alongside the introduction of a new independent pay equity unit.
For the weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Wire Host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the Green Party’s response to this report, but began by talking about the US-Israel bombing of Iran and New Zealand’s role in responding to the conflict.
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