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The Wire

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.

Older Generations' Perspectives on Climate Change: July 16, 2021

Older Generations' Perspectives of Climate Change: July 16, 2021 Older Generations' Perspectives of Climate Change: July 16, 2021, 20.06 MB
Fri 16 Jul 2021

A recent study has revealed more old New Zealanders believe climate change is real, and caused by humans. Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to the author of the study, Taciano Milfont from Waikato University, about the findings, and how they may affect New Zealand's climate policy. 

Please note the introduction mistakenly refers to Victoria University, rather than Waikato University.

The Wire with Justin: July 15, 2021

The Wire with Justin: July 15, 2021 The Wire with Justin: July 15, 2021, 91.97 MB
Thu 15 Jul 2021

Justin spoke to Dr Duncan Webb of Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee on its inquiry into cryptocurrency.

Producer Conor Head-McCarthy spoke to Auckland Transport's Pete Moth and Greater Auckland Editor Matt Lowrie about the city's plans to extend bus routes across the city centre.

He also talked to registered clinical psychologist Gaynor Parkin about the psychologists unable to take in new clients.

Justin talked to Massey University marine biologist Professor Karen Stockin about orca behaviours.

Orca behaviour w/ Prof. Karen Stockin: July 15 2021

Orca behaviour w/ Prof. Karen Stockin: July 15 2021 Karen Stockin: July 15 2021, 17.35 MB
Thu 15 Jul 2021

The search for orca calf Toa's pod goes into the fourth day, but there had been few confimed of pods at the North Island's West Coast.  Justin Wong spoke to marine-ecologist Professor Karen Stockin of Massey University about the rarity of a orca calf being left behind and what needs to be done.

Auckland Transport's City Centre Bus Plan w/ Pete Moth and Matt Lowrie

Auckland Transport's City Centre Bus Plan w/ Pete Moth and Matt Lowrie.mp3 mp3, 20.48 MB
Thu 15 Jul 2021

The City Centre Bus Plan to improve transport within the city centre was released this week. Conor spoke to Pete Moth, Service Network Development Managert, and Matt Lowrie, Editor of Greater Auckland on the plans. They discussed what the changes to the bus system were going to be, the barriers that are in place to make the changes, and the time scale of such a development.

Select Committee inquiry into cryptocurrency: July 15, 2021

Select Committee inquiry into cryptocurrency: July 15, 2021 Select Committee inquiry into cryptocurrency: July 15, 2021, 10.75 MB
Thu 15 Jul 2021

MPs from the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee are launcing an inquiry into cryptocurrency, with them looking into its risks and benefits.

Chair Dr Duncan Webb spoke to Justin Wong.

Demand for Psychologists w/ Gaynor Parkin: July 15, 2021

Demand for Psychologists w/ Gaynor Parkin: July 15, 2021 Demand for Psychologists w/ Gaynor Parkin: July 15, 2021, 14.42 MB
Thu 15 Jul 2021

Conor spoke to Clinical Psychologist and CEO of Umbrella Wellbeing Gaynor Parkin about the shortage of psychologists in New Zealand and the need for more training. They also talked about what the Government can do to support psychologists and possible solutions for the mental health sector.

The Wire with Zazi: July 14, 2021

The Wire with Zazi: July 14, 2021 The Wire with Zazi: July 14, 2021, 101.96 MB
Wed 14 Jul 2021

Today on the Wednesday Wire, it was Zazi Hewlett's first time hosting!

We have our regular segment Dear Science with Marcus Jones. This week we discuss a giant tsunami causing fossilised 'megaripples', questional research practices amongst scientists and the effectiveness of a quarter dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. 

News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Dr Jin Russell, a Developmental Paediatrician, about the government’s plans to overhaul health programme for zero to five year olds, Well Child Tamariki Ora. 

Zazi talks to ACT Party Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden about Jobs for Nature funding and the 2.75 million dollars from Proceeds of Crime funding that was given as koha to a drug rehabilitation programme associated to the Mongrel Mob. 

Zazi also chats to the Senior lecturer at UoA's Department of Psychological Medicine, Etuini Ma'u, about his recent study on dementia, how it can be prevented and some of the potential modifiable risk factors in New Zealand. 

Finally, Jemima wraps it up with a chat with Richard Clark from Auckland Unlimited about the Elemental Auckland festival that begins today. 

Study on Dementia Prevention w/ Etuini Ma'u: July 14, 2021

Study on Dementia Prevention w/ Etuini Ma'u: July 14, 2021 Study on Dementia Prevention w/ Etuini Ma'u: July 14, 2021, 17.64 MB
Wed 14 Jul 2021

Zazi talked to the University of Auckland's Senior lecturer at the Department of Psychological Medicine, Etuini Ma'u, about his recent study on Dementia, how it can be prevented and some of the potential modifiable risk factors in New Zealand. 

 

ACT's Brooke van Velden on Koha for a Drug Rehabilitation Centre and Jobs for Nature: July 14, 2021

ACT's Brooke van Velden on Koha for a Drug Rehabilitation Centre and Jobs for Nature: July 14, 2021 ACT's Brooke van Velden on Koha for a Drug Rehabilitation Centre and Jobs for Nature: July 14, 2021, 16.48 MB
Wed 14 Jul 2021

 

Today on the Wire, Zazi talks to the ACT party's Brooke van Velden about a Government funded rehabiliation programme and Brooke's thoughts on its association to the Mongrel Mob. 

Brooke then goes on to talk about the Jobs for Nature programme, and the ACT party's current concerns with the amount of money it has spent.

Elemental Auckland 2021: July 14, 2021

Elemental Auckland 2021: July 14, 2021 Elemental Auckland 2021: July 14, 2021, 4 MB
Wed 14 Jul 2021

Elemental Auckland is a festival with events taking place right across the city. The events kick off today and run until Sunday 1st August . News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Richard Clark, Head of Major and Business Events at Auckland Unlimited about what we can expect from the Elemental Auckland this year. 

City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: December 18, 2025

City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: December 18, 2025 City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: December 18, 2025, 18.24 MB
Thu 18 Dec 2025

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.

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 17 December, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 17 December, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 17 December, 2025, 29.61 MB
Wed 17 Dec 2025

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.

Inquiry on online harm, RMA, and Fast Track Amendments Bill w/ National MP Carl Bates: 16 December 2025

Inquiry on online harm, RMA, and Fast Track Amendments Bill w/ National MP Carl Bates: 16 December 2025 Inquiry on online harm, RMA, and Fast Track Amendments Bill w/ National MP Carl Bates: 16 December 2025, 16.1 MB
Tue 16 Dec 2025

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.

Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 16 December, 2025

Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 16 December, 2025 Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 16 December, 2025, 29.9 MB
Tue 16 Dec 2025

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about how a journal has retracted a study on a weed killer, how it’s easier to identify a cat by its purr rather than meow, and how time is faster on Mars.

Landing 20 December, Forces of Flight, MOTAT’s newest Aviation Hall exhibition - Discover the forces that take you sky-high!

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

RMA overhaul and Education and Workforce Committee’s interim report on social media harm w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 15 December, 2025

RMA overhaul and Education and Workforce Committee’s interim report on social media harm w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 15 December, 2025 RMA overhaul and Education and Workforce Committee’s interim report on social media harm w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 15 December, 2025, 18.85 MB
Mon 15 Dec 2025

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.

“Block the Ban” Protest, UN Report Critical of the Government on Māori Rights, and Lower Targets for Methane Emissions Against Official Advice w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 11 December, 2025

“Block the Ban” Protest, UN Report Critical of the Government on Māori Rights, and Lower Targets for Methane Emissions Against Official Advice w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 11 December, 2025 “Block the Ban” Protest, UN Report Critical of the Government on Māori Rights, and Lower Targets for Methane Emissions Against Official Advice w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 11 December, 2025, 9.57 MB
Thu 11 Dec 2025

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.

City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: December 11, 2025

City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: December 11, 2025 City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: December 11, 2025, 11.23 MB
Thu 11 Dec 2025

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.

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 10 December, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 10 December, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 10 December, 2025, 29.89 MB
Wed 10 Dec 2025

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.

Get Action! Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers w/ activist Lauren Craig: 10 December 2025

Get Action! Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers w/ activist Lauren Craig: 10 December 2025 Get Action! Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers w/ activist Lauren Craig: 10 December 2025, 9.82 MB
Wed 10 Dec 2025

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

Scrutiny Week w/ National MP Carl Bates: 9 December 2025

Scrutiny Week w/ National MP Carl Bates: 9 December 2025 Scrutiny Week w/ National MP Carl Bates: 9 December 2025, 21.35 MB
Tue 9 Dec 2025

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