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 ESR data has shown cases of meningococcal disease in Kiwi teens and young adults has increased by 88% compared to last year.
The data also shows Maori and Pasifika toddlers, as well as Maori youth, make up the majority of the increased numbers.
The Wire producer Sofia spoke to the Head nurse of Havelock North High School Caryn Williams about the growing concerns of meningitis in Aotearoa and the accessibility of vaccines.
In 2018, the Women in Urbanism organisation conducted a survey that found more than 75% of women experienced harassment while using public transport, cycling, or walking.
The current urban space, which is typically masculine in its design, has been found to not accommodate the different ways in which Women navigate around cities.
Current chair of Women in Urbanism Aotearoa, Emma McInnes spoke to producer Sofia about a new survey being conducted regarding issues identified by wāhine in urban space.
The survey, which closes on the 16th of February, seeks information and experiences from women, non-binary, and marginalised groups that can ultimately be turned into data used for better change.
The Tuesday Wire team is joined by Dr Allan Blackman for Dear Science. The team discusses new developments in genetic editing, the scientific ramifications of the Dunning-Kruger effect and the dangers of eating salad in space.
Nicholas catches up with the National Party's Dr Shane Reti about the extent of his party’s support for the "Treaty Principle's" bill and the interim ruling made by the International Court of Justice regarding South Africa’s case against Israel.
Nicholas also spoke to Dr Treasa Dunworth for an in-depth analysis of the ICJ's interim ruling in South Africa's case against Israel.
Sofia speaks to Head nurse of Havelock North School Caryn Williams about the growing concerns of meningitis in Aotearoa.
They also spoke to Emma McInnes current chair of Women in Urbanism about a new survey being conducted regarding issues identified by wāhine in urban space.
The International Court of Justice has released an interim ruling in South Africa’s case against Israel.
South Africa has accused Israel of being in breach of their obligations under the United Nations Convention on Genocide.
The ICJ has ruled that they have jurisdiction to preside over the claims made by South Africa and in the interim have ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide and punish comments that incite genocide against Palestinians.
For an in-depth analysis of the court's ruling and its ramifications Nicholas spoke to expert in international law Dr Treasa Dunworth.
The Tuesday Wire team is joined by Dr Allan Blackman for Dear Science.
The team discusses new developments in genetic editing, the scientific ramifications of the Dunning-Kruger effect and the dangers of eating salad in space.
Caeden speaks to GP, filmmaker, and activist Dr Sapna Samant about why these actions got backlash, and the consequences of ignoring Hindu Nationalism in Aotearoa New Zealand.
They also chat to activist and storyteller Vira Paky the importance of art when it comes to engaging activists in political spaces.
Castor speaks to Public Health Researcher at the University of Otago Doctor Jude Ball about Youth Vaping Addictions.
He also spoke to the National Secretary from E tū, Rachel Mackintosh, about potential wage cuts for parliamentary cleaners.
Beth speaks to Shane Henderson for her weekly catch-up for City Counselling and Chris Emmet from Surf Lifesaving.
Two recent events have caused backlash against Eden Park. The confiscation of Palestinian flags from pro-Palestine protestors at the park, and the hosting of a Hindu Nationalist Rally attended by prominent New Zealand MPs.
Caeden spoke to GP, filmmaker, and activist Dr Sapna Samant about why these actions got backlash, and the consequences of ignoring Hindu Nationalism in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Public Health Communication Centre has published a report discussing the social impacts of youth vaping addictions.
While discussions around youth vaping typically focus on the health risks, the report looks at the social and psychological issues caused by addiction.
Castor spoke with Doctor Jude Ball, a public health researcher at the University of Otago in Wellington, about youth vaping addictions and potential solutions.
With recent news that Parliamentary Services is required to make budget cuts, Parliamentary cleaners are worried that their recently won living wage may be stripped away.
Parliament’s cleaners won the living wage under the previous Labour government, which had committed to a wage increase during the 2017 election campaign.
Castor spoke to Rachel Mackintosh, the National Secretary for E tū, the union covering cleaners, about the potential wage cuts and what they may mean for those affected.
Activist and storyteller Vira Paky was named by the Post as one of 24 New Zealanders to watch in 2024. Caeden chatted with Vira about her mahi, and the importance of art when it comes to engaging activists and people in political 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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