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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.

Anti Co-Governance Rally in Orewa w Samah Huriwai-Seger and Jake Law: 20 March, 2023

Anti Co-Governance Rally in Orewa w Samah Huriwai-Seger and Jake Law: 20 March, 2023 Anti Co-Governance Rally in Orewa w Samah Huriwai-Seger and Jake Law: 20 March, 2023, 14.85 MB
Mon 20 Mar 2023

A protest against an anti co-governance speech in Ōrewa has gained national attention over the weekend.

Julian Batchelor has been on tour across the country, sparking frequent protests over his anti-co governance rhetoric and spread of what critics say is harmful misinformation.

Caeden Tipler spoke to Samah Huriwai-Seger, an activist with the Aotearoa Liberation League about the lead-up to and her impression of the protest.

Caeden also spoke to Jake Law, a Hibiscus and Bays Local Board member, who was present at the rally in Ōrewa on Saturday.

Tutira Mai Relief Concert w/ Lewis Johnson: 20 March, 2023

Tutira Mai Relief Concert w/ Lewis Johnson: 20 March, 2023 Tutira Mai Relief Concert w/ Lewis Johnson: 20 March, 2023, 10.13 MB
Mon 20 Mar 2023

Nicholas Lindstrom interviews volunteer Lewis Johnson about his role in the aftermath of cyclone Gabrielle and the work he did for the 'Tutira Mai' Relief Concert hosted at Pipitea Marae.

Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp on Indigenous Climate Policy

Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp on Indigenous Climate Policy Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp on Indigenous Climate Policy, 21.29 MB
Mon 20 Mar 2023

For their weekly catch up, Hanna spoke to Takutai Kemp, Te Pāti Māori's candidate for Tāmaki Makaurau, about climate adaptation. They discussed the ongoing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, Te Pāti Māori's proposals for a Māori adaptation fund and collaboration between the Crown and whānau, hapū and iwi, and insights to be gleamed from tikanga when designing policy.

The Wire With Jessica: 20 February, 2023

The Wire With Jessica: 20 February, 2023 The Wire With Jessica: 20 February, 2023 , 60.81 MB
Mon 20 Mar 2023

On The Wire for Rāhina Monday...

News & Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins speaks to ACT’s Karen Chhour about the government banning TikTok from all parliamentary devices and reprioritising spending to refocus on the cost of living and Cyclone Gabrielle recovery.

Hanna Thompson talks to Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp about the ongoing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and centring indigenous voices in the climate crisis debate. 

Caeden Tipler speaks to Samah Huriwai-Seger from the Aotearoa Liberation League and Hibiscus and Bays Local Board member Jake Law about an anti-co-governance roadshow in Ōrewa. 

Nicholas Lindstrom chats to “Tutira Mai” Cyclone Relief Concert volunteer Lewis Johnson about the event. 

And Alex Bonham interviews urban advocate and former Christchurch councillor Mike Davidson about how we can make our cities safer for tamariki

Road Safety Around Schools w/ former Christchurch councillor Mike Davidson

Road Safety Around Schools w/ former Christchurch councillor Mike Davidson Road Safety Around Schools w/ former Christchurch councillor Mike Davidson, 7.72 MB
Mon 20 Mar 2023

Last week, a boy was run over by a car on his scooter in Christchurch, leaving him critically injured. 

This is just one of the hundreds of road accidents in Aotearoa this year that have seriously injured pedestrians or micro-mobility users. 

Per capita, Aotearoa has one of the highest rates of driveway and road accidents in the world. 

Alex Bonham spoke to urban advocate and former Christchurch councillor Mike Davidson about how we can make our cities safer for tamariki.

The Wire with Spike: March 16, 2023

The Wire with Spike: March 16, 2023 The Wire with Spike: March 16, 2023, 130.16 MB
Thu 16 Mar 2023

Kia ora, and welcome to The Wire for Rāpare Thursday!

Today Spike speaks to:

- Associate Dean Dr. Paul Heyward about today's teacher strike and current conditions for teaching staff

- and Mapu Maia CEO Pesio Ah-Honi about this Saturday's Lotto cyclone fundraiser and the harms of lottery gambling

Simon speaks to:

- Professor Len Gillman about the Government's scrapping of planned speed reductions

- Professor Karen Waldie about Neurodiversity Celebration Week

- and Marnie Pickett on drinking water safety in Aotearoa

That's us for The Wire!

Lowering Speed Limits to Reduce Emissions W/ Professor Len Gillman: 16 March, 2023

Lowering Speed Limits to Reduce Emissions W/ Professor Len Gillman: 16 March, 2023 Lowering Speed Limits to Reduce Emissions W/ Professor Len Gillman: 16 March, 2023, 9.7 MB
Thu 16 Mar 2023

This week Prime Minister Hipkins announced a plan to scrap cuts to speed limits on many roads. The safety benefits of lowering speed limits has been well documented, but Professor Len Gillman is an advocate for the lowering of speed limits to help reduce emissions. Simon began by asking Professor Gillman what the benefits of lowering speed limits across Aotearoa are.

Drinking Water Safety in Aotearoa W/ Marnie Prickett: 16 March, 2023

Drinking Water Safety in Aotearoa W/ Marnie Prickett: 16 March, 2023 Drinking Water Safety in Aotearoa W/ Marnie Prickett: 16 March, 2023, 15.55 MB
Thu 16 Mar 2023

Research Fellow at Otago University Marnie Prickett recently co-wrote a report for the Public Health Communication Centre titled 'When The First Barrier Falls: Strengthening Protection for Drinking Water Sources'. Simon spoke with Marnie about protecting drinking water sources in Aotearoa as well issues with the water supply. She began by discussing the 2016 Havelock North contamination.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week W/ Professor Karen Waldie: 16 March, 2023

Neurodiversity Celebration Week W/ Professor Karen Waldie: 16 March, 2023 Neurodiversity Celebration Week W/ Professor Karen Waldie: 16 March, 2023, 13.43 MB
Thu 16 Mar 2023

This week is neurodiversity celebration week in Aotearoa. Professor Karen Waldie is a Professor in the School of Psychology and with the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland. Simon started by asking Professor Waldie what neurodiversity celebration week is and why it is important.

Teacher's Strike w/ Dr. Paul Heyward: March 16, 2023

Teacher's Strike w/ Dr. Paul Heyward: March 16, 2023 Paul Heyward: March 16, 2023, 13.56 MB
Thu 16 Mar 2023

Today, 50,000 ECC, primary and secondary school teachers go on strike across the motu to push for better working conditions. Spike speaks to Dr. Paul Heyward, Associate Dean of Teaching at Auckland University, about the strike, and current working conditions for teachers.

Political "fear-mongering" on Auckland Council's Waitākere Ranges management proposal w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 01 May, 2025

Political "fear-mongering" on Auckland Council's Waitākere Ranges management proposal w/ Councillor Shane Henderson Political "fear-mongering" on Auckland Council's Waitākere Ranges management proposal w/ Councillor Shane Henderson, 12.74 MB
Thu 1 May 2025

Numerous political figures including Ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour have spoken out in the media this week with allegations that Auckland Council is trying to usher in ‘co-governance’ on a local level, with their proposal on the management of the Waitākere Ranges.

CEO of Te Kawerau ā Maki Edward Ashby called out the political lashback as “fear-mongering” and ‘misinformation’, affirming that the proposal is not actually a co-governance structure. 

The proposal is for a decision-making committee of 50% representation from the Crown and tangata whenua to manage the land under a deed of acknowledgement.

The council says the deed of acknowledgement is in line with the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Act 2008, and follows on from the existing management structures in place. 

Producer Sara spoke with Councillor Shane Henderson during his bus commute about this topic and the political commentary that’s been witnessed this week. Here is that interview

International Desk: What the Canadian election results say about strategic voting, Trump, and young people w/ Vote16 Canada’s Aleksi Toiviainen: 1 May, 2025

International Desk: What the Canadian election results say about strategic voting, Trump, and young people w/ Vote16 Canada’s Aleksi Toiviainen: 1 May, 2025 International Desk: What the Canadian election results say about strategic voting, Trump, and young people w/ Vote16 Canada’s Aleksi Toiviainen: 1 May, 2025, 23.97 MB
Thu 1 May 2025

The Canadian election has been won by Mark Carney’s Liberal Party.

Despite losing the election, the Conservatives made significant gains in their levels of support, particularly with young people. 

United States President Donald Trump also loomed large in the election, following his comments earlier this year that he would make Canada the “51st state” and the trade war he has started with Canada. 

For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Aleksi Toiviainen, co-organiser for Vote16 Canada and democracy advocate, about the results of the election.

Prisoner voting rights and the strikes happening this May Day w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 1 May, 2025

Prisoner voting rights and the strikes happening this May Day w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 1 May, 2025 Prisoner voting rights and the strikes happening this May Day w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 1 May, 2025, 10.9 MB
Thu 1 May 2025

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced a total ban on prisoners voting will be reinstated. 

The move has been criticised by the opposition parties, as well as those working in criminal justice.

Today is May Day, also known as International Workers Day and unions across Aotearoa are taking action against what they say is an “anti-worker agenda” from this government.

Workers across a wide range of industries are stopping work and taking strike action. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these issues.

Northwest transport upgrades and teachers registration fees w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 29th April, 2025

Northwest transport upgrades and teachers registration fees w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 29th April, 2025 Northwest transport upgrades and teachers registration fees w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 29th April, 2025, 11.53 MB
Wed 30 Apr 2025

Last week Transport minister Chris Bishop announced steps towards improvements to public transport from the Northwest of Auckland. The plan involves three stages, each promoting faster and more consistent public transport from the region. While early stages are planned for the next few years, later stages will be coming over the next ten or more years. 

The government has also announced $53 million towards subsidising teachers registration fees. This announcement follows extensive campaigning from teachers on this issue, eliminating a barrier for new and long-time teachers in Aotearoa. 

In our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with the transport upgrades in Northwest Auckland.

Get Action! Fairness for the Hospitalised Stop Benefit Cuts After 13 Weeks w/ President of New Zealand ME Society Fiona Charlton: 30 April, 2025

Get Action! Fairness for the Hospitalised Stop Benefit Cuts After 13 Weeks w/ President of New Zealand ME Society Fiona Charlton: 30 April, 2025 Get Action! Fairness for the Hospitalised Stop Benefit Cuts After 13 Weeks w/ President of New Zealand ME Society Fiona Charlton: 30 April, 2025, 20.16 MB
Wed 30 Apr 2025

In March this year, the government made the decision to reduce the benefit for hospital patients who remain hospitalised after 13 weeks.

After 13 weeks, those experiencing long-term hospitalisation would see their benefit reduced to their "hospital rate" which was $55.35 a week (after tax), unless the person has a partner and a child or is a veteran.

For this week’s Get Action! I spoke to Fiona Charlton, volunteer president of New Zealand ME Society, who’s started a petition calling on the government to roll back benefit cuts to people experiencing long-term hospitalisation.

If you’d like to sign this petition, you can find it here:

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez March: 30 April, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez March: 30 April, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez March: 30 April, 2025, 23.96 MB
Wed 30 Apr 2025

Just yesterday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis made her Pre-Budget speech, in the leadup to Budget 2025 which will be delivered next month.

During her speech, Willis said that the government would be halving the operating allowance from $2.4 Billion to $1.3 Billion, going to a select number of government departments that Willis has described as “the most important priorities.”

The week before, it came to light that Climate Minister Simon Watts had rejected advice to review the carbon subsidies given to polluting companies like NZ steel and Methanex.

And the Greens recently made a call to the government to ban the use of engineered stone products.

For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Wednesday Wire host Oto spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez-March about all of these issues.

Dear Science w/ Dr. Cushla McGoverin: 29th April, 2025

Dear Science w/ Dr. Cushla McGoverin: 29th April, 2025 Cushla McGoverin: 29th April, 2025, 17.43 MB
Tue 29 Apr 2025

This week on Dear Science our expert Doctor Cushla McGoverin chatted with us about tree climbing salamanders, lab grown teeth, warnings for volcanic eruptions

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

ECE Regulations, NZ First Gender Bill and ACC Ethnic Outcomes w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 28 April, 2025

ECE Regulations, NZ First Gender Bill and ACC Ethnic Outcomes w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 28 April, 2025 ECE Regulations, NZ First Gender Bill and ACC Ethnic Outcomes w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 28 April, 2025, 24.8 MB
Mon 28 Apr 2025

In his role as regulation Minister, David Seymour is moving to simplify regulations for Early Childhood Education Centres by the end of this year. 

This involves a review containing 15 recommendations, which cabinet has accepted. These recommendations concern a vast number of things, from simplifying licensing criteria for pre-schools to lowering qualification requirements for early childhood educators. 

Both of these areas have sparked concern within the sector, with some educators concerned the review is simply a cost cutting exercise that will result in tamariki being put at risk. 

For our weekly catch up Producer Evie spoke to ACT’s Simon Court about the review. 
They also spoke about New Zealand First’s Members Bill aiming to have the biological definition of a woman and man defined in law. 

And finally they discussed a clash between the party and National’s Scott Simpson over an ACC plan to reduce injury for Māori and Pasifika workers. 

International Desk: The backlash to the UK Supreme Court excluding trans women from its definition of “woman” w/ TransActual’s Jane Fae: 24 April, 2025.

International Desk: The backlash to the UK Supreme Court excluding trans women from its definition of “woman” w/ TransActual’s Jane Fae: 24 April, 2025. , 18.98 MB
Thu 24 Apr 2025

The United Kingdom Supreme Court has ruled that trans women do not meet the definition of women under UK equality laws.

The decision means services for women, such as refuges, hospital wards, and toilets, can exclude trans women.

For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Jane Fae, a director at TransActual UK, about this decision and its backlash.

The cross-party delegation to the Pacific, NZ First’s trans-exclusionary definition of sex bill and his threat to cut funding to RNZ w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 24 April, 2025

The cross-party delegation to the Pacific, NZ First’s trans-exclusionary definition of sex bill and his threat to cut funding to RNZ w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 24 April, 2025 The cross-party delegation to the Pacific, NZ First’s trans-exclusionary definition of sex bill and his threat to cut funding to RNZ w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 24 April, 2025, 14.19 MB
Thu 24 Apr 2025

A cross-party delegation of MPs recently visited Tonga, Hawai’i and Vanuatu as part of a Pacific trip organised by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters.

Earlier this week, New Zealand First proposed new legislation that would exclude trans communities from the definition of “woman” and “man” in law.

Winston Peters defended the bill on RNZ’s Morning Report, where he called interviewer Corin Dann a “disgrace” for raising the criticism against the bill that was brought forward by opposition parties.

During this interview, Peters threatened to cut RNZ’s government funding.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.