Launch in new window

Tami Neilson - Salvation Mountain

You are here

The Wire

Listen back to features and interviews from 95bFM's daily news and current affairs show. Joel Armstrong, Castor Chacko, Oto Sequeira, and Caeden Tipler focus on the issues of Tāmaki Makaurau and elsewhere in independent-thinking bFM style. Monday-Thursday 12-1pm on 95bFM.

Te Reo Māori Implicit Knowledge and Proto-Lexicon w/ Jeanette King: September 4, 2023

Te Reo Māori Implicit Knowledge and Proto-Lexicon w/ Jeanette King: September 4, 2023 Te Reo Māori Implicit Knowledge and Proto-Lexicon w/ Jeanette King: September 4, 2023, 21.56 MB
Mon 4 Sep 2023

The University of Canterbury has published a study which investigates disparities between known and understood te reo Māori amongst New Zealanders, and how incidental exposure to te reo in our surroundings can better facilite active learning of the language. Rosetta spoke to co-author of the research Jeanette King from the University of Canterbury's institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour, about the study.

Make It 16 campaign to go to Select Committee w/ Co-Director Thomas Brocherie: 31 August, 2023

Make It 16 campaign to go to Select Committee w/ Co-Director Thomas Brocherie: 31 August, 2023 Make It 16 campaign to go to Select Committee w/ Co-Director Thomas Brocherie: 31 August, 2023, 6.9 MB
Thu 31 Aug 2023

On the 29th of August, the Electoral (Lowering Voting Age for Local Elections and Polls) Legislation Bill was read in parliament, and will now go to the select committee.

Digital News Sub-Editor, Joel, spoke with Make It 16 Co-Director Thomas Brocherie, about what this means for the push to lower the voting age for local elections, and why it is important to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote.

The Wire w/ Caeden: 31 August, 2023

The Wire w/ Caeden: 31 August, 2023 The Wire w/ Caeden: 31 August, 2023, 99.53 MB
Thu 31 Aug 2023

For our weekly catch-up Caeden spoke to Andrew Little about vaping and responses to 111 distress calls, as well as an investigation into employers abusing migrant workers and National’s tax plan on Immigration including cost recovery.

And they spoke to Massey University Lecturer Dr Zoë Port about her research into an age disadvantage in our workforce that negatively impacts young people.

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Auckland City Councillor for Manukau, Lotu Fuli, about Māori seats on the Auckland Council's governing body, the bill to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections, and the councils TWO BILLION dollar flood recovery buyout package. 

Joel spoke to Make it 16 Co-Director Thomas Brocherie about the first reading of the bill to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections.

Beth spoke to Research Fellow at the University of Otago Public Health  Department Marnie Prickett about the health of Aotearoa’s drinking water and political parties’ plans around protecting our drinking water sources.

And Olivia spoke to Arts Access Aotearoa’s Executive Director Richard Benge about the importance of art for prisoners.

The Wire w/ Caeden: 31 August, 2023

The Wire w/ Caeden: 31 August, 2023 The Wire w/ Caeden: 31 August, 2023, 99.53 MB
Thu 31 Aug 2023

Today on the Wire Caeden speaks to Andrew Little about vaping and responses to 111 distress calls, as well as an investigation into employers abusing migrant workers and National’s tax plan on Immigration including cost recovery.

They also speak to Massey University Lecturer Dr Zoë Port about her research into an age disadvantage in our workforce that negatively impacts young people.

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins speaks to Auckland City Councillor for Manukau, Lotu Fuli, about Māori seats on the Auckland Council's governing body, the bill to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections, and the councils TWO BILLION dollar flood recovery buyout package. 

And Joel spoke to Make it 16 Co-Director Thomas Brocherie about the first reading of the bill to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections.

Producer Beth speaks to Research Fellow at the University of Otago Public Health  Department Marnie Prickett about the health of Aotearoa’s drinking water and political parties’ plans around protecting our drinking water sources.

And Olivia speak to Arts Access Aotearoa’s Executive Director Richard Benge about the importance of art for prisoners.

Political Parties' Plans to Protect Drinking Water Sources w/ Marnie Prickett: 31 August, 2023

Political Parties' Plans to Protect Drinking Water Sources w/ Marnie Prickett: 31 August, 2023 Political Parties' Plans to Protect Drinking Water Sources w/ Marnie Prickett: 31 August, 2023, 24.41 MB
Thu 31 Aug 2023

A recent government inquiry outlined that close to 800,000 New Zealanders are drinking water that is 'not demonstrably safe'. The Public Health Communication Centre sent out a survey to Aotearoa's political parties about the policies they each planned to introduce to protect the sources of Aotearoa's drinking water.

Today on The Wire Beth speaks to Research Fellow at the University of Otago's Public Health Department and Spokesperson for Choose Clean Water about the health of Aotearoa's water and political parties' plans to protect our drinking water sources.

Arts Funding in Prisons w/ Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa Richard Benge

Arts Funding in Prisons w/ Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa Richard Benge Arts Funding in Prisons w/ Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa Richard Benge, 19 MB
Thu 31 Aug 2023

There are concerns that the recent proposals to cut arts funding will detriment prisoners’ access to such programmes. Many say that accessing these programmes support prisoner rehabilitation, and help prepare them for life after their release. 

Olivia spoke to the Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa, Richard Benge, about the impact of funding cuts, and the importance of art in prison. 

The Wire w/ Jessica: 30 August, 2023

The Wire w/ Jessica: 30 August, 2023 The Wire w/ Jessica: 30 August, 2023, 99.3 MB
Wed 30 Aug 2023

Emilia spoke to Ricardo Menendez-March about the Green Party’s plans for the healthcare system.

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins to New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association National Secretary Dr Deborah Powell. 

Arno reported on Pharmac and access to medication and healthcare and spoke to health economist from the University of Auckland Dr Paula Lorgelly, Dr Kate Gregory from The Cancer Society, and Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand CEO Peter Dickens.

And for his bi-weekly catch-up with The Opportunities Party, Nicholas spoke to TOP candidate for Epsom Dr Nina Su about their proposed Teal Card and the state of New Zealand’s healthcare system. 

Pharmac and Healthcare w/ Dr Paula Lorgelly, Dr Kate Gregory and Peter Dickens: 30 August, 2023

Pharmac and Healthcare w/ Dr Paula Lorgelly, Dr Kate Gregory and Peter Dickens: 30 August, 2023 Pharmac and Healthcare w/ Dr Paula Lorgelly, Dr Kate Gregory and Peter Dickens: 30 August, 2023, 29.99 MB
Wed 30 Aug 2023

Pharmac is the government’s medicine-buying entity, and it came under fire last year for long wait times in approving new medicines. 

Arno set out to find out more about Pharmac and funding for medicine in New Zealand. 

First Arno spoke with health economist Dr Paula Lorgelly about Pharmac and medicine in New Zealand, and the National Party's plans to fund 13 cancer drugs that are not available in New Zealand but are in Australia. 

Next Arno spoke with Dr Kate Gregory from the New Zealand Cancer Society about access to cancer treatments in New Zealand. 

Finally Arno spoke with Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand CEO Peter Dickens to find out about healthcare for those suffering from prostate cancer.

 

TOP Party's Cadidate for Epsom Dr Nina Su on the Teal Card policy and the New Zealand Healthcare system: August 30, 2023

TOP Party's Cadidate for Epsom Dr Nina Su on the Teal Card policy and the New Zealand Healthcare system: August 30, 2023 TOP Party's Cadidate for Epsom Dr Nina Su on the Teal Card policy and the New Zealand Healthcare system: August 30, 2023, 26 MB
Wed 30 Aug 2023

According to the latest 1News poll The Opportunities Party or TOP for short is polling around 1% of the party vote. 

Despite this the party has garnered a lot of media attention and public interest for their bold policy ideas.

One of the more popular policies the Party has introduced is their Teal Card. The Teal Card has been introduced as a “Gold Card” for younger New Zealanders. 

As part of the program New Zealanders over 18 and under 30 would receive free healthcare and public transport as well as a Five thousand dollar savings boost if they complete a national civics course.

Nicholas spoke to TOP’s Epsom candidate Dr Nina Su about the Teal card and TOP’s health policy.

 

 

The Wire w/ Milly : 29th August, 2023

The Wire w/ Milly : 29th August, 2023 The Wire w/ Milly : 29th August, 2023, 100.3 MB
Tue 29 Aug 2023

This week on the Tuesday Wire:

Milly joins Allan Blackman in the studio for Dear Science as they delve into the fascinating world of people who have experimented on themselves. 

She also speaks to Dr Shane Reti for her weekly catchup with the National Party where they talk all things healthcare in Aotearoa. 

She speaks to Kerri Nuku Kaiwhakahaere of the New Zealand Nurses Organization about better working conditions for nurses. 

She also speaks to Professor Nick Wilson from the University of Otago and the Co-Director of Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa about why New Zealand's Political parties are not paying enough attention to long-term risks and potential future catastrophic risks according to the findings of a recent survey

 

All this and a bit more on the Tuesday Wire with Milly

Council body reforms and the state of homelessness in Auckland w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 July, 2025

Council body reforms and the state of homelessness in Auckland w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 July, 2025 Council body reforms and the state of homelessness in Auckland w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 July, 2025, 19.27 MB
Thu 10 Jul 2025

This month, a number of council body reforms have come into effect in the Auckland Council, fulfilling Mayor Wayne Brown’s promise to address issues and implement community feedback into the council’s format.

The three new divisions in the Auckland Council to improve organisation include the Auckland Urban Development Office, the  Property Department, and an Economic Development Office, each of which are intended to make decision making more effective and accessible to the public.

As well, with the persisting cold temperatures and rainy weather hitting Auckland this Winter, I wanted to discuss the topic of homelessness in Auckland’s city centre, and to what extent the council is working to support those rough sleeping in the CBD

Phase Two of The Covid-19 Inquiry and Advisory Group Recommendations on Climate Adaptation Legislation w/ Labour’s Arena Williams: 10 July, 2025

Phase Two of The Covid-19 Inquiry and Advisory Group Recommendations on Climate Adaptation Legislation w/ Labour’s Arena Williams: 10 July, 2025 Phase Two of The Covid-19 Inquiry and Advisory Group Recommendations on Climate Adaptation Legislation w/ Labour’s Arena Williams: 10 July, 2025, 15.27 MB
Thu 10 Jul 2025

Public hearings as part of phase two of the Royal Commission into COVID-19 took place in Auckland this week.

The second phase of the inquiry has a stronger focus on lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and the impact of the Covid-19 response on business and the economy.

And yesterday, an independent reference group set up by the Ministry of Environment shared their recommendations for climate adaptation legislation.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Arena Williams about both of these topics.

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party: 9 July, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party: 9 July, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party: 9 July, 2025, 19.59 MB
Wed 9 Jul 2025

Recently, a study was conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton which uncovered a shift in the circulation of the Southern Ocean.

The study showed that the shift would draw up more salt water from the deep ocean, subsequently accelerating the loss of ice in the Antarctic and leading to an increase of sea levels and global heating.

The week before, the government allowed the terrorist designation given to the far-right ‘Proud Boys’ group to expire, effectively decriminalising the act of funding or openly supporting the group here in Aotearoa.

And, just yesterday Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed a number of changes to Family Boost which she said would help families with the cost of living.

For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez March to get the party’s take on all of these issues.

Get Action! Restore The Southerner Train w/ Dave Macpherson - Save our Trains Southern: 9 July, 2025

Get Action! Restore The Southerner Train w/ Dave Macpherson - Save our Trains Southern: 9 July, 2025 Get Action! Restore The Southerner Train w/ Dave Macpherson - Save our Trains Southern: 9 July, 2025, 17.86 MB
Wed 9 Jul 2025

The Southerner was a passenger express train in the South Island running between Christchurch and Invercargill from 1970 to 2002.

The train was eventually closed due a decline in passenger numbers and subsidies, although it was briefly revived in May this year for four days as part of a tourist experience.

Recently, a group of campaigners from Save our Trains launched a petition calling on the government to restore the Southerner train route as a more accessible form of travel for South Islanders.

Wednesday Wire Host Oto spoke with Dave Macpherson from Save Our Train - Southern, to discuss his petition and why the Southerner should be restored.

The Regulatory Standards Bill in Select Committee w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 8th July, 2025

The Regulatory Standards Bill in Select Committee w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 8th July, 2025 The Regulatory Standards Bill in Select Committee w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 8th July, 2025, 13.59 MB
Tue 8 Jul 2025

Hearings on the regulatory standards bill are currently underway, with around 23,000 total submissions both written and oral. Early analysis of the submissions estimated 88% percent are in opposition, while only 0.3% are in support. 

The bill has been pushed by Minister for Regulation and ACT Party leader David Seymour, who says it should support the government to reduce regulation and ensure the protection of individual rights and private property. The bill has been criticised for not including clauses around Te Tiriti o Waitangi or environmental protections. It has also been criticised for potentially undemocratic elements, placing large amounts of control in the hands of the unelected Ministry for Regulation.

In our weekly catch-up with the National party, Wire host Castor asked Tom Rutherford about the regulatory standards bill in light of the select committee hearings and new criticisms.

Dear Science w/ Daniel Thomas: 8th July, 2025

Dear Science w/ Daniel Thomas: 8th July, 2025 Dear Science w/ Daniel Thomas: 8th July, 2025, 15.73 MB
Tue 8 Jul 2025

This week on Dear Science, our expert, Daniel Thomas chatted with us about rice arriving in the Pacific, Aotearoa's native forests sinking carbon, and orcas using seaweed to groom themselves. 

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

Government's expectations for City and Regional, Youth Parliament w/ the ACT Party's Cameron Luxton: 7 July, 2025

Government's expectations for City and Regional, Youth Parliament w/ the ACT Party's Cameron Luxton: 7 July, 2025 Government's expectations for City and Regional, Youth Parliament w/ the ACT Party's Cameron Luxton: 7 July, 2025, 29.28 MB
Mon 7 Jul 2025

Recently, the government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mayors of Auckland, Otago, and Western Bay of Plenty Councils over the government’s expectations of City and Regional Deals. These deals aim to tighten the partnership between central and local governments.

For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to MP Cameron Luxton about what to expect heading forward regarding the relationship between local, regional, and central government.

They also discussed last week's Youth Parliament.

Youth Parliament provides the opportunity for 143 rangatahi aged 16-to-24 as Youth MPs, representing MPs across the political spectrum, and Youth Press Gallery members, to understand the country’s political processes, understand how government works, and replicate the Parliamentary process.

Youth MPs had previously accused event organisers of ‘censoring’ their speeches. This follows the MPs being asked to remove elements of their speeches that were critical of government policies, such as the Treaty Principles Bill and pay equity.

However, The Ministry of Youth Development has come out saying the way they communicated their wishes with Youth MPs could have been clearer and more concise. The general manager of the Ministry, John Robertson, says reviewing speeches and suggesting changes was a part of the process, but these recommendations are not enforced.

They also spoke to Luxton about these accusations, and whether they are tantamount to censorship.

Finally, they discussed calls by over half of the Youth MPs represented in this year's Youth Parliament, from across the political spectrum, renewing calls for the voting age to be lowered, to allow 16-to-17-year-olds the right to vote.

5 ACT Youth MPs, including the Youth MP representing Cameron Luxton, Fletcher Brown, had signed a letter calling for the voting age to be reduced.

This follows the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that found the current voting age is unjustified age discrimination and goes against the Human Rights Act 1993.

They also discussed these renewed calls to lower the voting age.

Censorship of Youth MPs in Parliament and new changes coming into effect July 1 including to Kiwisaver scheme and benefits w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 July, 2025

Censorship of Youth MPs in Parliament and new changes coming into effect July 1 including to Kiwisaver scheme and benefits w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 July, 2025 Censorship of Youth MPs in Parliament and new changes coming into effect July 1 including to Kiwisaver scheme and benefits w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 July, 2025, 22.32 MB
Thu 3 Jul 2025

As the youth parliament is set to take place this week, a number of youth MPs have spoken out claiming they have been asked to change or remove elements of their speeches which criticise certain political figures or current topics like environmental action, pay equity and the treaty principles bill. 

Youth Organisation Gen Z Aotearoa founder Nate Wilbourne was asked to edit parts of his speech calling out Ministers Shane Jones, Tama Potaka and Penny Simmonds on their role in environmental destruction. 
He said “When your voices are edited to remove criticism, when ministers are shielded from being named, when we're told that our lived experiences are too political, that is not neutrality – that is protection of the status quo.”

As well this week, on July 1st a number of changes came into effect including the government’s Kiwisaver contributions and eligibility, the rate in payments for sole parents and through ACC, Healthy Homes standards, and procedures for receiving the job seeker benefit. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Sara asked Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics

International Desk: The Future of International Order w/ Britain Palestine Project's Dr Brian Brivati: 3 July, 2025

International Desk: The Future of International Order w/ Britain Palestine Project's Dr Brian Brivati: 3 July, 2025 International Desk: The Future of International Order w/ Britain Palestine Project's Dr Brian Brivati: 3 July, 2025, 21.24 MB
Thu 3 Jul 2025

Following Israel and the US’ large-scale attacks on Iran, and Israel’s continued war on Gaza, this has raised the question on the future of international order.

News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to the Executive Director of the Britain Palestine Project, Dr Brian Brivati, about this turning point in international order, and what we should expect heading forward.

On the proposal to scrap regional councils & the government’s request to increase developments around key CRL stations to up to 15 stories w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 3 July, 2025

On the proposal to scrap regional councils & the government’s request to increase developments around key CRL stations to up to 15 stories w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 3 July, 2025 On the proposal to scrap regional councils & the government’s request to increase developments around key CRL stations to up to 15 stories w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 3 July, 2025, 35.23 MB
Thu 3 Jul 2025

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has suggested to the local government forum that regional councils may be abolished, stating that 
"After the upcoming changes to the Resource Management Act, I doubt that there's going to be a compelling case for regional government to continue to exist.“

Regional councils across Aotearoa are responsible for matters relating to natural resource management, flood control, and biosecurity.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said effectiveness between different councils is varied, and that councils generate too much bureaucracy and are “too focussed on vanity projects”.

As well, in order to make the most of local and central investment into Auckland’s growing city, the government is asking Auckland Council to increase the housing development allowance around key Central Rail Link stations in the lead up to the project’s completion.

Seeking to amend the resource management act, the government hopes to increase housing height and density around Mount Albert and Baldwin Avenue stations, allowing upzoning  of ten stories around these areas, in addition to allowing upzoning of fifteen stories around Maungawhau, Morningside and Kingsland.

Producer Sara spoke with Councillor Julie Fairey about both of these topics, starting with the proposal to scrap regional councils.