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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.

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.

The Wire with Jessica: 15 March, 2023

The Wire with Jessica: 15 March, 2023 The Wire with Jessica: 15 March, 2023, 106.55 MB
Wed 15 Mar 2023

Emilia chatted with Green Party co-leader James Shaw about Chris Hipkins’ so-called policy bonfire, the debate around mitigation and adaptation policies, and the importance of amplifying the youth voice in politics for their first weekly catch-up this year.

News & Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins speak to Mark Potter, President of Te Riu Roa, the New Zealand Education Institute, acting president of Te Wehengarua, the Post Primary Teachers' Association, Chris Abercrombie, and Maddy, an intermediate teacher, about teachers striking for better pay and conditions.

Producer Arno Cronje speaks to Good Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand chairman Tony Robinson about his organisation and how it is helping post-Cyclone.

And Melissa Ansell-Bridges, the National Secretary of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, on both protections for bus drivers and contract workers

Samaritans Helpline w/ Chairman Tony Robinson: 15 March, 2023

Samaritans Helpline w/ Chairman Tony Robinson: 15 March, 2023 Samaritans Helpline w/ Chairman Tony Robinson: 15 March, 2023, 18.66 MB
Wed 15 Mar 2023

Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand is an organisation that allows people to speak to empathetic volunteers who can help them deal with emotional and practical issues they are experiencing. In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, many people have called in with various issues and been given an empathetic ear by the Samaritans. Arno spoke to Tony Robinson, chairman of Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand to find out more about the organisation. Firstly, Arno asked him about the mission of Samaritans.

If you or a loved one needs someone to talk to about any problems, please call them on 0800 72 66 66.

Bus Driver and Contractor Protections w/ NZCTU's Melissa Ansell-Bridges: 15 March, 2023

Bus Driver and Contractor Protections w/ NZCTU's Melissa Ansell-Bridges: 15 March, 2023 Bus Driver and Contractor Protections w/ NZCTU's Melissa Ansell-Bridges: 15 March, 2023, 23.68 MB
Wed 15 Mar 2023

Increasing violence towards Auckland’s bus drivers has prompted several union groups to issue statements demanding better working safety protections for drivers. 

Arno spoke to Melissa Ansell-Bridges, secretary of the NZCTU, the council of trade unions, to find out more about the issue. 

Arno also spoke to Melissa to find out more about improving contractor positions in Aotearoa. The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is calling for better employment protections for contractors, many of whom earn below minimum wage for hours worked. This follows a landmark win where Uber drivers became classified as employees instead of contractors last year.

Arno started on the first topic by asking what Auckland bus drivers are concerned about.

School Teacher Strikes w/ the New Zealand Educational Institute and the Post Primary Teachers’ Association: 15 March, 2023

School Teacher Strikes w/ the New Zealand Educational Institute and the Post Primary Teachers’ Association: 15 March, 2023 School Teacher Strikes w/ the New Zealand Educational Institute and the Post Primary Teachers’ Association: 15 March, 2023, 35.51 MB
Wed 15 Mar 2023

As many as 50,000 kaiako and tumuaki (teachers and principals) will go on strike tomorrow for better conditions and to improve public education for tamariki.

This is the education sector’s biggest industrial action since 2019. 

Most schools and kura will close on Thursday due to the strikes, and nationwide protest marches are planned.

The strikes have been organised by the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI), representing primary and kindergarten teachers, and the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA), representing secondary school teachers.

First, News & Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Mark Potter, President of the New Zealand Education Institute. I started off our interview discussing why kindergarten and primary staff are striking.

Then she spoke to the acting president of Te Wehengarua, the Post Primary Teachers' Association, Chris Abercrombie. To begin, I asked about why secondary staff are striking. 

Lastly, she spoke to Maddy, an intermediate teacher, about why she is striking. I started by asking Maddy about her background in teaching. 

The Tuesday Wire w/ Milly : March 14, 2023

The Tuesday Wire w/ Milly : March 14, 2023 The Tuesday Wire w/ Milly : March 14, 2023 , 101.47 MB
Tue 14 Mar 2023

Welcome to the Tuesday Wire! 

This week on the show:

  • Milly and Beth are joined in the studio for Dear Science with Allan Blackman 
  • Milly speaks to the National Party’s Shane Reti regarding the proposed changes to the build-to-rent policy, and Nationals housing plans. 
  • Beth speaks with Al Yates, the CEO of Ecotricity, New Zealand’s first climate-positive electricity company. 
  • Milly speaks to Chanelle Duley from the University of Auckland's faculty of economics regarding the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank.
  • Milly speaks to Lokesh Padhye from the University of Auckland's faculty of Environmental Engineering regarding the proposed ban of PFA use in makeup. 

 

Ecotricity w/ Al Yates: March 14th, 2023

Ecotricity w/ Al Yates: March 14th, 2023 Ecotricity w/ Al Yates: March 14th, 2023, 8.27 MB
Tue 14 Mar 2023

The average New Zealander emits over 6 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, and 1.4 tonnes of this comes from electricity usage. Ecotricity has become the first energy company in Aotearoa to become climate positive certified. In today's Wire Beth spoke to the co-founder and CEO of Ecotricity Al Yates about the company.

Build-to-rent and Housing Policy w/ Shane Reti: March 14th, 2023

Build-to-rent and Housing Policy w/ Shane Reti: March 14th, 2023 Build-to-rent and Housing Policy w/ Shane Reti: March 14th, 2023, 12.35 MB
Tue 14 Mar 2023

This week on the Tuesday Wire, Milly has her weekly catch-up with the National Party's Dr Shane Reti, and speaks to him about Housing Minister Chris Bishop's most recent speech delivered last week. In the speech, Chris Bishop revealed a number of changes regarding legislation and policy to do with the current build-to-rent scheme, including changes to the Overseas Investment Act and to the Income Tax Act. Dr Shane Reti and Milly discuss the current issues to do with housing and the party's plans to help ease the pressure on the housing market. 

Silicon Valley Bank Collapses w/ Chanelle Duley : March 14, 2023

Silicon Valley Bank Collapses w/ Chanelle Duley : March 14, 2023 Silicon Valley Bank Collapses w/ Chanelle Duley : March 14, 2023 , 10.7 MB
Tue 14 Mar 2023

This week on the Tuesday Wire, Milly spoke to Chanelle Duley from the University of Auckland's Faculty of Economics regarding the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank, exploring what caused it, the flow on effects, especially in the tech sector, and the effects that this might have on our banks here in New Zealand. 

Proposed PFA Use Ban w/ Lokesh Padhye : March 14th, 2023

Proposed PFA Use Ban w/ Lokesh Padhye : March 14th, 2023 Proposed PFA Use Ban w/ Lokesh Padhye : March 14th, 2023, 8.88 MB
Tue 14 Mar 2023

This week on the Tuesday Wire, Milly speaks to Lokesh Padhye from the University of Auckland's faculty of Environmental Engineering regarding the proposed ban on the use of PFAs in makeup products. Milly explores what PFAs are, why they are harmful to us and the environment, and what we can do as citizens of Aotearoa to combat their use. 

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.