Listen back to features and interviews from 95bFM's daily news and current affairs show. Joel Armstrong, Sara Mckoy, Max Micheel, and Caeden Tipler focus on the issues of Tāmaki Makaurau and elsewhere in independent-thinking bFM style. Monday-Thursday 12-1pm on 95bFM.
New Zealand has joined an international pledge that promises to reduce methane emissions over the next decade but no methane reduction policies and targets would not be changed.
The pledge, which was announced earlier this week during COP 26 in Glasgow, promises to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030, but each country doesn’t have to meet that target individually.
Climate Change Minister James Shaw spoke to Justin Wong.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced at COP26 that the country would introduce a target of net zero emissions by 2070, despite it being 20 years later than the US and UK, and 10 years later than Russia and China's targets.
Siddanth Prasad is an assistant professor at the Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability at the O.P. Jindal Global University. He spoke to Justin Wong
Today marks World Sandwich Day! Whether it be a Monte Cristo, a breakfast butty, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, today is the day to celebrate them all.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, many hospo spots have made an effort to celebrate World Sandwich Day, by bringing new sandwich ideas to their menus or by collaborating with their neighbouring businesses to bring some excitement to customers and their own workplace environments.
Zazi spoke with Best Food’s Alison Murray and Baby G Burger’s Owner, Cam Blanchard, about why they are getting involved in celebrating World Sandwich Day.
They spoke about the history of the sandwich and why it is important to be involved in community festivities, as well as support local businesses, especially in these tough times.
This week Zazi and Brooke talk about the End of Life Choice Act, COP26 and The Act Party’s “Vax Break Policy”.
First off, the two talk about the End of Life Choice Act. Brooke shares how she has been involved in implementing the legislation, whether she expects New Zealanders to immediately use it, and how widespread concerns are about this Act.
Secondly, Zazi speaks to Brooke about COP26, and whether Brooke still thinks it was the wrong move for James Shaw to attend. Zazi also asks Brooke about India Logan-Riley's speech at COP26, to see if she agrees that climate change issues are rooted in colonialism.
And finally, Brooke talks about the ACT Party's 'Vax Break Policy'. She discusses how a $250 tax credit could increase vaccination numbers, if there has been any interest or support shown from other Parties or the Government, and why she believes incentive is an important angle to think about, aside from general access to vaccinations.
New Covid-19 announcements and rule updates have come thick and fast throughout the Delta outbreak period, leaving many Auckland businesses wanting answers. News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Hospitality New Zealand Auckland representative Jamie Freeman and Heart of the City, Auckland CBD’s business association, Chief Executive Viv Beck about how some of the government's latest directives have impacted the retail and hospitality sectors. They discuss Monday's announcement that in principle Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 Step 2 on Tuesday 9 November at 11:59pm, the new Covid-19 Protection Framework or traffic light system, and the call for hospitality businesses to expand their outside seating areas to public footpaths.
This week on Dear Science, Zazi was joined by AUT Professor Marcus Jones, chatting all things COVID! Marcus talks about the current search for people who never get COVID, what COVID vaccines for young kids could mean for the pandemic, as well as the common antidepressant that slashes the risk of COVID-19 deaths.
This week on the Wednesday Wire, the show kicks off with Zazi having her regular segment Dear Science with AUT Professor Marcus Jones. They speak about the search for people who never get COVID; discuss what COVID vaccines for young kids could mean for the pandemic; as well as talk about the common antidepressant that slashes the risk of COVID death.
Zazi then has her regular catch-up with ACT's Brooke van Velden. They talk about the End of Life Choice Act, COP26 and The Act Party’s 'Vax Break policy'.
After that, Zazi has a chat with Best Food’s Alison Murray, and Baby G Burger’s Owner, Cam Blanchard, about World Sandwich Day, which is today!
Finally, Jemima speaks with Hospitality NZ Auckland’s Jamie Freeman, and Heart of the City’s Viv Beck, about potentially easing restrictions in Tāmaki Makaurau next week, their reactions to the traffic light system and the calls to expand hospitality spaces onto footpaths.
Yesterday, the government announced that Auckland would move to Step 2 of Level three from next Tuesday at 11:59pm in principle. Waikato will also be moved to Step 2 at 11:59pm tonight. News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston interviews Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu, an immuniologist and Head of the Pacific Office at the Univeristy of Otago Wellington, about the easing of these restrictions. They discuss Dianne's position on the decision and the impact in may have on Māori and Pacific communities
Today on the Wire, Jemima Huston speaks to Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu, an immunologist from the University of Otago Wellington, about the government easing restrictions in Alert Level 3 regions.
Joe Wickins talks to Peter Reynolds, the CEO of the Disability Support Network, about the new Ministry for Disabled People.
Jemima interviews Oxfam Aotearoa's Campaigns Manager Alex Johnston about the group's position on the New Zealand government’s latest Nationally Determined Contribution target to keep global heating to within 1.5 degrees.
Trishil Dahya brings us his final report for his internship here at 95bFM. He speaks to two students about their experiences accessing mental health services.
Finally, Joe speaks to University of Otago Associate Professor in Psychological Medicine Jenny Jordan about the lack of funding within support services for eating disorders and mental health.
From Dec 27 to Jan 18, all train lines across Tāmaki will be shutting down for summer maintenance, a closure which is expected to be the last of its kind ahead of the opening of the City Rail Link.
The current measles outbreak in Tāmaki is being continually monitored, with exposure sites being updated daily on info.health.nz. The public are encouraged to track whether they’ve been in possible contact with the virus, and get up to date on any vaccinations to limit possibilities of transmission.
Auckland Council are supporting arts initiatives across the summer months, with Music in the Park kicking off in early January, and Movies in the Park following in February.
Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about these topics, and also asked for comment following the attack by two gunmen at Bondi Beach earlier this week.
Yesterday, the latest six-monthly survey of housing support providers under the National Homelessness Data Project, or NHDP, showed that homelessness in Auckland has more than doubled in the year to September. The report also found that 14 of the 21 agencies interviewed reported an increase in homelessness.
As well as this, Australia’s ban on social media for children under 16 has taken effect. And according to an interim report into social media harm, a social media ban for children in New Zealand is worth exploring further.
And last week the Government announced the replacement of the Resource Management Act, or RMA. The coalition said its replacement will slash red tape and supercharge growth.
For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about the Government’s new RMA reforms and a potential social media ban in New Zealand.
But first they discussed the latest report on Auckland homelessness.
The Parliament’s Workforce and Education Committee has released an interim report on an inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders face online. The government has recently announced an overhaul of the Resource Management Act and introduced two new bills in its place, the Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill.
For our weekly catch-up with the National Party, Producer Vihan spoke to MP Carl Bates, who is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Workforce and Education Committee, about the new findings of the interim report, the new Natural Environment Bill, and the Fast Track Approval Amendments Bill.
The government has announced the overhaul of the Resource Management Act (RMA), which will be replaced by two different bills, the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. The RMA is set to be fully replaced by 2029.
The RMA, which has been in effect for 34 years, is polarising across the political spectrum.
In announcing the reforms, RMA Reform Minister, Chris Bishop, says that “pretty much everything” will be quicker and less costly under the new regime.
For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about this overhaul of the RMA.
They also discussed The Education and Workforce Committee’s interim report on the harms young people experience online, with a majority recommending a ban on social media for under-16-year-olds.
But first, they discussed the overhaul of the RMA.
On Sunday, “Block the Ban” held a protest against the government’s decision to ban new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria.
The United Nations’ committee for the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination has released a report warning that New Zealand is at serious risk of weakening Māori rights.
And last week, the government rejected the recommended methane emissions targets.
This is despite officials warning against the government doing so, stating that lowering methane emissions targets could increase New Zealand’s contribution to global warming.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.
Safety measures on public transport are of growing concern this week following the fatal and unprovoked attack that took place on route 76 in East Tāmkaki on Monday night.
Earlier this week there were also multiple critical incidents that occurred simultaneously across Auckland’s West Coast beaches and waterways, seeing an unusually high deployment of emergency services and surf lifesavers for this early in the summer.
Swedish home and furniture retailer Ikea opened in Sylvia Park a week ago today, drawing huge excitement for many.
Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about these topics.
Last week was scrutiny week, where Parliament focuses entirely on holding government agencies and ministers to account, to check-in on how well the Government is performing.
Many of the questions surrounding scrutiny week have been focused on climate change, with many recent reports highlighting the Government’s questionable decision-making.. The biggest headline was that the coalition had chosen to reject all three of the climate change commission’s recommendations to strengthen New Zealand’s emissions targets.
Along with this, the United Nations released a new report, where they’ve warned that New Zealand is at serious risk of weakening Māori rights and entrenching disparities for the indigenous population. In the 14-page report, the UN expressed concerns over multiple government policies affecting Maori, including the disestablishment of the Maori Health Authority, cuts to public funding for Maori services, and minimising the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about the report released by the United Nations, but first they discussed Scrutiny Week and the Government’s recent climate change decisions.
The government is pausing the new prescriptions of Puberty Blockers to gender diverse and transgender young people from the 19th of December onwards, following a similar move by the UK after the results of the NHS’s Cass Review.
Wire Producer Flo spoke to activist Lauren Craig about the effects of the legislation, her petition “Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers” against the changes and the wider political motivation for the policy.
If you'd like to sign this petition, you can find it here
The biannual Scrutiny Week took place in Parliament last week, with meetings across select committees and government departments focussed on scrutinising the outcomes of government work.
These include hearings on ministries like Health, Housing, Environment and Justice.
Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Carl Bates about Scrutiny Week, firstly by asking him to talk about the meetings he was involved in
95bFM 
