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.
This week on Dear Science, Frances Wright talks to AUT professor Marcus Jones about a new public database of AI predicted protein structures, NASA's investigation into re-naming the James Webb telescope after LGBTQ+ claims, and how COVID vaccines have a higher approval in less-affluent countries.
This week on the Monday Wire, Jessica Hopkins had a kōrero with Associate Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins and Mr Michael Steedman about the University of Auckland's new Māori name, Waipapa Taumata Rau.
She also heard from Entomologist Morgane Merien about National Moth Week, and why Merien is callling for people to appreciate the fluttering fauna.
Producer Louis Macalister discussed Aotearoa's first mass vaccination event with the event's lead organiser, Alex Pimm and Manukau Ward Councillor, Efeso Collins.
Lastly, Louis spoke to Wayne Hill, a logging trucker from Tokaroa about his experince in the industry. This follows a recent repot by Worksafe, suggesting long work hours are contrbuting to the industry's high crash rate.
On Monday, it was announced that New Zealand is likely to import more coal this year than in any other year. The government estimates an additional 150,000 tonnes, 14 percent more than last year's 1 million tonnes. This week on the Wire, Frances Wright spoke with Debs Martin who is Forest and Bird's regional manager for the top of the South Island. They talk about what New Zealand's coal consumption means for the climate and native species in Aotearoa.
Science groups are wanting a more open approach when it comes to involving animals in their science research after many years of feeling reluctant to do so.
First off, Zazi talks to Animal Welfare Officer and University Veterinarian at the University of Auckland, Dr. Jodi Salinsky, about the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand. She speaks on why she thinks it is important to be transparent about animal research and if we will ever move away from animal testing altogether.
Zazi then briefly chats to the Executive Director of the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS), Tara Jackson, about her thoughts on the Openness agreement and whether she agrees with Dr. Salinsky's view that the agreement is a step in right direction for animal research.
This week on the Wednesday Wire, Zazi Hewlett talks with the executive director of the NZ Anti-Vivisection society, Tara Jackson, and animal welfare officer and university vetenarian, Dr Jodi Salinksy, about the Openess Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand. She also has her regular talk with ACT's Brooke van Velden, this week on white privelage.
Frances has her regualr Dear Sceince segment where she talks with AUT professor, Marcus Jones about AI predicted protein structures, NASA's investigation into naming the James Webb telescope after LGBTQ+ claims, and COVID vaccines higher approval in less-affluent countries. She also talks with Forest and Bird's Debs Martin about New Zealand's Coal imports, and Maria Corkin about her research into devices distracting parents.
This week Zazi talks to Brooke about the Te Hurihanganui Professional Development Programme for Educators, and how the ACT party believes there is a 'white privilege agenda' behind it.
In the second half, Zazi and Brooke discuss the Government spending more than $250,000 polling United Against Covid-19 branding and campaign.
On Monday the University of Auckland's School of Psychology released research on devices distracting parents. The study suggests that parents who turn off the audible notifications on their mobile devices have the best chance of expanding their child's vocabulary. On the Wednesday Wire, Frances Wright sproke with Maria Corkin about the study, Corkin is a doctoral candidate at the University and lead author on the paper.
Joe Wickins covers the rallies held in Tahiti and at AUT to commemorate the anniversary of the French nuclear testing in the Pacific. He talks to Ena Manuireva, Tahitian Language and Culture expert from AUT and anti-nuclear activist, about the protests.
Jemima Huston speaks to Dr Binoy Kampmark, a senior lecturer in the school of global urban studies at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, about greenwashing at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this year.
Finally, Elizabeth Macpherson, Associate Professor at University of Canterbury’s Law School, chats to Jemima about her study into how ecosystem based management (EBM) could make a significant difference to the way New Zealand regulates oceans.
Joe talks to Ena Manuireva, expert on Tahitian Language and Culture from AUT and anti-nuclear activist, on the recent rallies held in Tahiti's capital, Papeete, and at AUT, which commemorated the French nuclear tests conducted 55 years ago.
Associate Professor at University of Canterbury’s Law School Elizabeth Macpherson talks to News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston about her study into how ecosystem based management (EBM) could make a significant difference to the way New Zealand regulates oceans and marine spaces.
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
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