Launch in new window

Vera Ellen - thaw

You are here

The Wire

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

The potential defunding of Ka Ora Ka Ako w/ Co-chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa, Professor Lisa Te Morenga: March 13, 2023

The potential defunding of Ka Ora Ka Ako w/ Co-chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa, Professor Lisa Te Morenga: March 13, 2023 The potential defunding of Ka Ora Ka Ako w/ Co-chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa, Professor Lisa Te Morenga: March 13, 2023, 24.67 MB
Wed 13 Mar 2024

Associate Education Minister and ACT Party Leader David Seymour has indicated that Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme is under review as the government puts together their new budget.

Ka Ora Ka Ako was introduced under the Labour Government in 2019. The programme currently provides lunches for 220,000 students at a cost to the Government of around $325 million a year.

Seymour has claimed that there is no hard evidence that the programme positively affects academic performance, a claim that is disputed by Health Coalition Aotearoa.

A petition has been launched by the Health Coalition Aotearoa, to advocate for the government to continue supporting the programme.

Nicholas spoke to Co-chair of the coalition Professor Lisa Te Morenga about the programme's benefits, as well as their new petition.

https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/save-healthy-free-school-lunches

Rising Cost of Basic Food Items in Aotearoa w/ World Vision New Zealand’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong: 11 May, 2024

Rising Cost of Basic Food Items in Aotearoa w/ World Vision New Zealand’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong: 11 May, 2024 Rising Cost of Basic Food Items in Aotearoa w/ World Vision New Zealand’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong: 11 May, 2024, 7.59 MB
Tue 12 Mar 2024

A new report from World Vision looking at food prices in 67 countries has found the average cost of basic food items in Aotearoa increased by 56% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This is compared to a 29% decrease in cost in Australia.

Jessica spoke to World Vision New Zealand’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, about these findings.

They started off the interview by discussing what basic food items the report looked at.

Fast Track Approvals Bill w/ Group Manager for Conservation Advocacy at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie: 12th March, 2024

Fast Track Approvals Bill w/ Group Manager for Conservation Advocacy at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie: 12th March, 2024.mp3 mp3, 25.99 MB
Tue 12 Mar 2024

Last week, the Fast Track Approvals Bill received its first reading under urgency. 

The bill proposes to fast-track the resource consent process for major infrastructure projects by giving ministers decision making powers.

Forest & Bird, among other environmental groups, have expressed concerns that the bill will override or bypass existing environmental laws and protection. 

Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to group manager for conservation advocacy at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie, about the bill and its impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment and democracy.

Care and support workers’ open letter to Te Whatu Ora w/ PSA Delegate and Mental Health Support Worker, Christie Cox: 12th March, 2024

Care and support workers’ open letter to Te Whatu Ora w/ PSA Delegate and Mental Health Support Worker, Christie Cox: 12th March, 2024.mp3 mp3, 12.19 MB
Tue 12 Mar 2024

Last week, three unions representing care and support workers delivered an open letter with over 9,100 signatures to Te Whatu Ora demanding urgent action on their pay equity claim. 

Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to Public Service Association Delegate and Mental Health Support Worker, Christie Cox, about the current situation for care and support workers in Aotearoa and the significance of the letter being delivered on International Women’s Day.

Mortgage Tax Deductions and Fuel Excise Tax w/ National’s James Meager: 12th March, 2024

Mortgage Tax Deductions and Fuel Excise Tax w/ National’s James Meager: 12th March, 2024 Mortgage Tax Deductions and Fuel Excise Tax w/ National’s James Meager: 12th March, 2024, 19.64 MB
Tue 12 Mar 2024

In our weekly interview with National’s James Meager, wire host Castor talked about the government’s mortgage tax deduction policy and fuel excise tax. The mortgage tax reduction policy allows landlords to claim tax deductions on interest from mortgages on their properties. 

Notably, these tax deductions can increase to up to 100% of the mortgage interest rate, and will not apply to those who own one home. 

Additionally, a week before this interview, Transport Minister Simeon Brown unveiled the government’s transport policy. While not technically introducing a fuel tax, the government does plan to increase the excise tax on fuel, which in practical terms does mean you will be taxed more on the fuel you buy. The policy has been met with controversy, especially given promises during the election campaign to not introduce a fuel tax. Castor discussed this issue with James Meager and how the decision may be seen as hypocritical. 

Bike Auckland and the government’s transport policy w/ Chair of Bike Auckland Karen Hormann: 12th March, 2024.

Bike Auckland and the government’s transport policy w/ Chair of Bike Auckland Karen Hormann: 12th March, 2024. , 13.16 MB
Tue 12 Mar 2024

Bike Auckland is an organisation that promotes and supports cyclists across Auckland with various events and campaigns. The organisation also looks at road usage from a climate standpoint, promoting cycling as a low emission alternative to driving. 

Last week the government unveiled its new transport policy, which included minimal support for cyclists or the environment. Wire host Castor spoke to chair of Bike Auckland Karen Hormann about both the organisation and the policy announcement.

The Wire w/ Castor - 12th March 2024

The Wire w/ Castor: 12th March 2024 The Wire w/ Castor: 12th March 2024, 105.85 MB
Tue 12 Mar 2024

For Dear Science this week, Dr Cushla McGoverin chatted about a weird use for barnacles, sleep improving vaccination effectiveness, and collagen in the human body. 

Wire host Castor spoke to National’s James Meager about the mortgage tax deductions policy and increases to the fuel excise tax. 

He also spoke to Bike Auckland’s chair Karen Hormann about the organisation and National’s new transport policy. 

Producer Sofia spoke to Group Manager for Conservation Advocacy at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie, about the government’s proposed Fast Track Approvals Bill.

She also spoke to Public Service Association Delegate and Mental Health Support Worker, Christie Cox, about an open letter from  care and support workers to Te Whatu Ora on International Women’s Day last week. 

The Wire w/ Jessica: 11 March, 2024

The Wire w/ Jessica: 11 March, 2024 The Wire w/ Jessica: 11 March, 2024, 51.93 MB
Mon 11 Mar 2024

For our regular catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Simon Court about the government’s proposal to fast-track the resource consent process for significant regional and national projects.

She also spoke to Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki Chairperson and former Green MP Catherine Delahunty and Climate Justice Taranaki Spokesperson Urs Signer about the government’s new fast-track consenting proposal.

She had a kōrero with Associate Professor in Anthropology at the University of Auckland and Director of the James Henare Māori Research Centre, Marama Muru-Lanning (Waikato, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Whātua) and Senior Research Fellow Dr Hilary Lapsley about the government dis-establishing Te Whai Aka Ora, the Māori Health Authority.

And a black market for vapes has emerged in New Zealand schools, according to a report by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation. Producer Ezra spoke to Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Māori Community Liaison Sharon Pihema about this.

Dis-Establishment of Te Aka Whai Ora w/ James Henare Māori Research Centre Director, Associate Professor Marama Muru-Lanning, and Senior Research Fellow, Dr Hilary Lapsley: 11 March, 2024

Dis-Establishment of Te Aka Whai Ora w/ James Henare Māori Research Centre Director, Associate Professor Marama Muru-Lanning, and Senior Research Fellow, Dr Hilary Lapsley: 11 March, 2024 Dis-Establishment of Te Aka Whai Ora w/ James Henare Māori Research Centre Director, Associate Professor Marama Muru-Lanning, and Senior Research Fellow, Dr Hilary Lapsley: 11 March, 2024, 9.64 MB
Mon 11 Mar 2024

Last month, the government announced Te Aka Whai Ora, or the Māori Health Authority, would be dis-established, just 18 months after it launched.

News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to Associate Professor in Anthropology at the University of Auckland and Director of the James Henare Māori Research Centre, Marama Muru-Lanning (Waikato, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Whātua), and Senior Research Fellow at the James Henare Māori Research Centre, Dr Hilary Lapsley, about the government dis-establishing Te Aka Whai Ora and its impact on kaumatua.

Emerging Vape Market in Schools w/ Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Maori Community Liason Officer, Sharon Pihema: 11 March, 2024

Emerging Vape Market in Schools w/ Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Maori Community Liason Officer, Sharon Pihema: 11 March, 2024 Emerging Vape Market in Schools w/ Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Maori Community Liason Officer, Sharon Pihema: 11 March, 2024, 5.32 MB
Mon 11 Mar 2024

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand has released research reporting a black market for vapes emerging in schools across Aotearoa. 

Producer Ezra spoke to the Foundation's Maori Community Liason officer, Sharon Pihema about this pressing issue.

City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: 30 April, 2026

City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: 30 April, 2026 City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: 30 April, 2026, 9.87 MB
Thu 30 Apr 2026

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is facing backlash for insensitive comments towards an RNZ staff member.

In the last financial year, Auckland Council received 24,000 reports of illegal dumping. 

And broadcaster Jon Bridges has suggested the upcoming City Rail Link be given a better name than simply ‘CRL’. 

For City Counselling this week, Thursday Wire Host Caeden asked Councillor Julie Fairey about all of these topics. 

Te Tiriti Changes, NZ–India FTA, and Anti-Indian Sentiment w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert - April 30th 2026

Te Tiriti Changes, NZ–India FTA, and Anti-Indian Sentiment w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert Te Tiriti Changes, NZ–India FTA, and Anti-Indian Sentiment w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert, 11.86 MB
Thu 30 Apr 2026

The government is reviewing Treaty of Waitangi references across 28 pieces of legislation, with concerns that stronger obligations could be reduced to simply “taking into account” Treaty principles.

At the same time, New Zealand has signed a new Free Trade Agreement with India, while incidents of anti-Indian graffiti and political comments about Indian communities have raised concerns about rising anti-Indian sentiment in Aotearoa.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Pranuja spoke with Shanan Halbert about proposed changes to Te Tiriti, the NZ–India Free Trade Agreement, and rising anti-Indian sentiment in New Zealand.

Free Dental & India FTA w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March: 29 April, 2026

Free Dental & India FTA w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March: 29 April, 2026 Free Dental & India FTA w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March: 29 April, 2026, 11.08 MB
Wed 29 Apr 2026

Last week, the Green Party released a statement highlighting the recently released Dental For All report, which they say confirms that New Zealand can afford a free, universal public dental service.

And the recently signed Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand is being touted as a pivotal moment, garnering support from both Labour and National parties, however, NZFirst MP and coalition minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Shane Jones, expressed his opposition to the agreement with derogatory comments against potential indian immigrants that have drawn the ire of other parliamentary parties.

So for our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, I spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the Green Party’s Dental policy and their stance on the Free trade agreement with India.

 

The Emmissions Trading Scheme w/ Scott Burnett: 28 April, 2026

The Emmissions Trading Scheme w/ Scott Burnett: 28 April, 2026 The Emmissions Trading Scheme w/ Scott Burnett: 28 April, 2026, 28.47 MB
Tue 28 Apr 2026

Since its inception in 2008, the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (or ETS) has been, according to the government, its primary tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the climate crisis. As part of the scheme, the government sets a price for carbon units, which companies must pay to offset their emissions. The Climate Change Commission has recently highlighted that the scheme was not stable and susceptible to changes in the market, and did not have sufficient carbon units to last until 2030, requiring urgent reform.  

For Green World, Wire producer Liam spoke with Scott Burnett, the Regional Conservation Manager for the top of the South Island and Forest and Bird’s climate spokesperson about why Forest and Bird has called the system broken, what impact this has on Aotearoa and what reforms should be implemented. 

Shane Jones' Comments, Coalition Stability, Treasury Forecasts and Infrastructure Oversight w/ The National Party's Ryan Hamilton: 28 April, 2026

Shane Jones' Comments, Coalition Stability, Treasury Forecasts and Infrastructure Oversight w/ The National Party's Ryan Hamilton: 28 April, 2026 Shane Jones' Comments, Coalition Stability, Treasury Forecasts and Infrastructure Oversight w/ The National Party's Ryan Hamilton: 28 April, 2026, 15.01 MB
Tue 28 Apr 2026

Last week, NZ First MP and Government Minister Shane Jones was criticised over using derogatory language towards Indian Immigrants. These comments were condemned by the National Party and Christopher Luxon, who labelled NZ First’s belief system as ‘anti-immigrant’, and saidd Jones was ‘scaremongering’.

That was not the extent of criticism between NZ First and National, however, with tensions between the two sparking after NZ First Leader Winston Peters calling out Luxon for not giving coalition partners prior notice of his confidence vote during a national party caucus meeting last week. In turn, these comments have been dismissed, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Luxon accused NZ First and Peters of putting Labour Governments, like Arderns, into power. Despite all of this, however, Peters has insisted the coalition is as stable as a ‘three-legged stool’.

Last week also saw the Treasury announce that they would revisit their forecasts for the economy ahead of the impending government budget. The Government also announced some changes to the way Infrastructure is run by the government, giving more power to the Independent Infrastructure Commission, increasing their oversight and changing the way that Ministers receive advice and information.

This week, Host Alex spoke with National MP Ryan Hamilton about these developments, beginning with Shane Jones’ comments.

City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: 23 April, 2026

City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: 23 April, 2026 City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: 23 April, 2026, 10.74 MB
Thu 23 Apr 2026

Auckland Council’s Community Committee has allocated $300,000 across 11 community-led organisations as part of the Thriving Communities Grant.

Council has also allocated $286,000 to arts and culture projects, ranging from dance, performance, poetry, music, and storytelling.

And logistics and transport company Mainfreight has approached Auckland Transport, suggesting that bus lanes be opened to trucks and courier vehicles. 

Wire Host Caeden spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about both of these topics.

Confidence Vote, Inflation & Wellington Flooding w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 23 April, 2026

Confidence Vote, Inflation & Wellington Flooding w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 23 April, 2026 Confidence Vote, Inflation & Wellington Flooding w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 23 April, 2026, 19.99 MB
Thu 23 Apr 2026

The Prime Minister has survived the recent confidence vote, but questions remain about the stability of Christopher Luxon’s leadership and what that means for the government going forward. At the same time, inflation has come in higher than expected, rising 3.1 percent annually and 0.9 percent in the March quarter, adding to ongoing concerns about the cost of living. And in Wellington, severe flash flooding has once again raised questions about whether our cities are prepared for increasingly extreme weather.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Pranuja spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these issues.

Get Action! Restoring Rural School Bus Routes and Free Public Transport for Under 25's w/ Parents for Climate Aotearoa's Alicia Hall: 22nd April, 2026

Get Action! Restoring Rural School Bus Routes and Free Public Transport for Under 25's w/ Parents for Climate Aotearoa's Alicia Hall: 22nd April, 2026 Get Action! Restoring Rural School Bus Routes and Free Public Transport for Under 25's w/ Parents for Climate Aotearoa's Alicia Hall: 22nd April, 2026, 24.58 MB
Wed 22 Apr 2026

Despite a tenuous ceasefire, the fuel crisis - resulting from the US and Israel bombing of Iran, and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz - drags on. Prices have remained high, hitting low-income households hard, and while fuel stocks in or on-the-way to the country sit comfortably above a month’s cover, approaches to conserving fuel remain front-of-mind for many.

One strategy that New Zealanders have been urged to adopt is switching to public transport, which would put fewer cars on the road. However, access is often dependent on location and affordability.

Over the past few years, the Ministry of Education has reviewed numerous rural school bus routes, cancelling some, cutting off students from ready access to their education.

For this week’s Get Action, producer Theo spoke to Alicia Hall from Parents for Climate Aotearoa, on their petition to restore rural school bus routes and make public transport free for children, and students under 25.

If you'd like to sign this petition, you can find it here.

Electrification w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March: 22 April, 2026

Electrification w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March: 22 April, 2026 Electrification w/ the Green Party's Ricardo Menéndez March: 22 April, 2026, 31.71 MB
Wed 22 Apr 2026

Last week, the Green Party leaders, Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick, hosted their state of the planet address, where they launched their call to electrify the nation.

On top of that, events this week have led the party to criticise the government. The first critique, instigated by the floods that swept the nation, hitting the Coromandel and causing a state of emergency in the Wellington Region, led the Greens to question the government's decreased funding of flood responses as harsh weather increases.

The second critique came with a cabinet paper this week that shows the government is planning on moving ahead with reforms to legislation that will see references to the Treaty of Waitangi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi redefined, in what the government sez is about ‘standardisation’ but what the Green Party sees as dishonouring Te Tiriti.

So for our weekly catch-up with the Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez March, we discuss their criticisms of the government but start with a discussion of their electrification policy.

 

Dear Science w/ Dr Cushla McGoverin: 21 April, 2026

Dear Science w/ Dr Cushla McGoverin: 21 April, 2026 Dear Science w/ Dr Cushla McGoverin: 21 April, 2026, 17.87 MB
Tue 21 Apr 2026

This week for Dear Science, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin, chats with us about poisonous frogs, songbirds regenerating neurons, and personalised brain sensors.

Thanks to MOTAT - Home of Powerful Play!