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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.

The Wire with Reuben: Monday 30th April

The Wire with Reuben: Monday 30th April The Wire with Reuben: Monday 30th April, 75.19 MB
Mon 30 Apr 2018

Lucy Austin speaks to David Ciurlionis from the Auckland City Mission about the current food deficit and the record number of food parcels being given out.

Reuben McLaren catch's up with Green Party co-leader James Shaw. They discuss the draft productivity commission report and electric vehicles as well as the putting up a candidate for the Northcote by-election.

We also have Southern Cross where we’ll learn about Pacific research and strategy, media freedom and Facebook censorship

Mary-Margaret asks Rod Oram about the AMP financial scandal in Australia, and if there are implications for New Zealand

Reuben also speaks to Shiloh Groot, an Auckland University academic about why homelessness is so bad in New Zealand.

Why is NZ the worst for homelessness?

Why is NZ the worst for homelessness? Why is NZ the worst for homelessness?, 11.18 MB
Mon 30 Apr 2018

According to various studies and reports, New Zealand has the worst homelessness rate in the OECD, basically meaning we’re the worst out of the rich countries.

Reuben McLaren speaks to University of Auckland academic Shiloh Groot about why homelessness is so bad in New Zealand and what can and should be done about it.

Auckland City Mission- Food Crisis

Auckland City Mission- Food Crisis Auckland City Mission- Food Crisis, 17.27 MB
Mon 30 Apr 2018

Auckland city mission are currently overwhelmed with requests for food parcels. For this month alone they have given out over 1,150 food parcels. With the numbers increasing rapidly, Lucy Austin spoke to David Ciurleonous from the mission to find out a bit more about the issue and what needs to be done to help. If you would like to donate food to the mission you can drop it off on Hobson street, or at the New World supermarkets at Victoria park and Devonport.

 

The Wire with Kelly: April 27 2018

The Wire with Kelly: April 27 2018 The Wire with Kelly: April 27 2018, 109.97 MB
Fri 27 Apr 2018

Rachel McDonald from Radio Adelaide catches us up on everything that's happening accross the ditch. She tells Kelly about the public reaction of the new 'Avengers' movie being released on a memorial holiday, and some of the changes to finance and policy for disability care in the upcoming budget. 

For Wire Worry Week, Producer Laura speaks with David McBride, an associate professor at Otago University, who is conducting research into the management of mental and physical health of veterans. In light of the Government's recent announcement for a $1.1 million grant, we look into New Zealand's shortcomings around the care of our veterans. 

Te Roopu Nahinara, The National Party MP Jami-Lee Ross chats to Kelly about the newly announced $28 billion Auckland Transport Alignment Project. He chats criticisms and improvements, and why he thinks Labour are taking the most expensive route. 

Producer Will Parsonson speaks to Murray Sherwin, chief of the productivity commision, about the recent report on the future of climate based policy in New Zealand. The report details the steps the government and our community as a whole must take to tackle one of the biggest challenges our generation faces.

Tess Barnett talks to Rose Hope, owner of K roads's very own Bread and Butter Letter, a vintage clothing shop focused on socially positive consumerism. Rose chats to Tess about concious consumerism and how she sees the effects of consumerism. 

Where next? New Zealand's Climate woes begin to be tackled.

Where next? New Zealand's climate woes begin to be tackled. , 16.36 MB
Fri 27 Apr 2018

Producer Will Parsonson speaks to Murray Sherwin, chief of the productivity commision, about the recent report on the future of climate based policy in New Zealand. The report details the steps the government and our community as a whole must take to tackle one of the biggest challenges our generation faces.

Wearing Bread and Butter, more comfortable than it sounds.

Wearing Bread and Butter, more comfortable than it sounds. , 26.66 MB
Fri 27 Apr 2018

Tess Barnett talks to Rose Hope, owner of K roads's very own Bread and Butter Letter, a vintage clothing shop focused on socially positive consumerism. Rose chats to Tess about concious consumerism and how she sees the effects of consumerism. 

Veterans: Are We Meeting Their Needs?

Veterans: Are We Meeting Their Needs? Veterans: Are We Meeting Their Needs?, 15.14 MB
Fri 27 Apr 2018

Producer Laura, speaks with David McBride, an associate professor of Otago University, who is conducting research into the management of mental and physical health of veterans. In light of Government's recent announcement for a 1.1 million dollar grant, we look into New Zealand's shortcomings around the care of our veterans. 

Why are the penguins dying?

Why are the penguins dying? Why are the penguins dying?, 3.92 MB
Thu 26 Apr 2018

Talia Bayes interviews Emily Hunter, a member of Greenpeace New Zealand, about the current issue of little penguins being found on the Bay of Plenty coast. Why is this happening and how can we help it?

Why don't we recognise the Armenian genocide?

Why don't we recognise the Armenian genocide? Why don't we recognise the Armenian genocide?, 10.03 MB
Thu 26 Apr 2018

Sarah Tatafu interviews Catherine Dulahunty about the issues New Zealand has with the Armenian Genocide.

Neutral Corner: The Novichok affair

Neutral Corner: The Novichok affair Neutral Corner: The Novichok affair, 15.93 MB
Thu 26 Apr 2018

With the fallout from an alleged Russian poisoning attack ongoing, Neutral Corner contrasts the rival coverage given by the BBC and RT.

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