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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.

Improving trust in New Zealand's media organisations w/ AUT's head of journalism, Greg Treadwell: 15th April 2025

Improving trust in New Zealand's media organisations w/ AUT's head of journalism, Greg Treadwell: 15th April 2025 Improving trust in New Zealand's media organisations w/ AUT's head of journalism, Greg Treadwell: 15th April 2025, 15.86 MB
Tue 15 Apr 2025

A report was released this week titled ‘Trust in News in Aotearoa New Zealand’, containing data on how much the New Zealand public trusts news organisations. While trust has been declining over the past five years, this year has seen some stabilisation and some optimistic statistics for the future. 

To discuss the report and what it means for the relationship between the public and media in Aotearoa, Wire host Castor spoke to one of the study’s authors and head of journalism at AUT, Greg Treadwell.

You can find the full report here

Study Finds the Accommodation Supplement is Failing to Ease Housing Stress for Renters w/ the University of Auckland's Edward Yiu: 15 April 2025

Study Finds the Accommodation Supplement is Failing to Ease Housing Stress for Renters w/ the University of Auckland's Edward Yiu: 15 April 2025 Study Finds the Accommodation Supplement is Failing to Ease Housing Stress for Renters w/ the University of Auckland's Edward Yiu: 15 April 2025, 15.85 MB
Tue 15 Apr 2025

The Accommodation Supplement is one of Aotearoa’s primary social housing support programmes.

It provides weekly financial assistance to lower-income households struggling with housing costs.

A recent study by University of Auckland has revealed that the supplement is failing to ease housing stress, with renters receiving the subsidy spending more of their income on rent than those who don’t, across all income brackets.

Producer Amani spoke to University of Auckland Associate Property Professor Edward Yiu to find out more about this research and to see what advice he has for student renters.

The Wire w/ Castor: 15th April, 2025

The Wire w/ Castor: 15th April, 2025 The Wire w/ Castor: 15th April, 2025, 110.55 MB
Tue 15 Apr 2025

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chatted with us about using physics to make a better cup of joe, inuit words for snow, and Leonardo Da Vinci’s birthday. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Nancy Lu, Wire host Castor asked about the Treaty Principles Bill after it was voted down and about a recent study into harassment of female MPs. 

They spoke to head of journalism at AUT, Greg Treadwell about the recent Trust in News in Aotearoa New Zealand report and how to improve relations between the public and news media.  

And they spoke to Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Arts and Education at the University of Auckland, Camilla Highfield, about Kāhui Ako, an education programme which appears to be on the chopping block.

Producer Amani spoke to Associate Property Professor at the University of Auckland, Edward Yiu, about a recent study which has found Aotearoa’s accommodation supplement to be failing to ease housing stress.

Calls for Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow, to leave his role w/ Justice for Palestine’s Samira Zaiton: 14 April, 2025

Calls for Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow, to leave his role w/ Justice for Palestine’s Samira Zaiton: 14 April, 2025 Calls for Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow, to leave his role w/ Justice for Palestine’s Samira Zaiton: 14 April, 2025, 8.39 MB
Mon 14 Apr 2025

Calls have been made for New Zealand’s Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow, to either step down from his role, or be fired from his position, over accusations of Islamophobia.

These calls have been made by multiple organisations, including Justice for Palestine.

News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Co-convenor for Justice for Palestine, Samira Zaiton, about the controversy surrounding the Chief Human Rights Commissioner, and the organisation's calls for him to leave his position.

Proposed Drivers Licence Testing Changes w/ SADD’s Donna Govorko: 14 April, 2025

Proposed Drivers Licence Testing Changes w/ SADD’s Donna Govorko: 14 April, 2025 Proposed Drivers Licence Testing Changes w/ SADD’s Donna Govorko: 14 April, 2025, 21.62 MB
Mon 14 Apr 2025

Yesterday the government announced a proposal to change the requirements when it comes to drivers licence testing. 

The announcement by Transport Minister Chris Bishop revealed the axing of the full license test, meaning drivers on their restricted licence would automatically gain their full license after 18 months. Bishop says these changes would make it ‘more efficient, accessible and affordable’ for drivers to get their licence. 

The changes come with new safety measures such as drivers needing a completely clear record for 18 months before gaining their full licence, lowering the number of available demerit points for restricted drivers from 100 to 50, as well as introducing a zero alcohol limit for all drivers on their learners and restricted, not just those under 20. 

The AA is welcoming some of these changes, but says more safety measures could be taken with New Zealand already having one of the worst rates of fatal crashes in the OECD.

Producer Evie spoke to General Manager for Students Against Dangerous Driving, Donna Govorko about the proposal, and how the group feels about the potential changes.

The Wire w/ Joel: 14 April, 2025

The Wire w/ Joel: 14 April, 2025 The Wire w/ Joel: 14 April, 2025, 106.12 MB
Mon 14 Apr 2025

This week on the Monday Wire:

For our weekly catchup with Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to her about the Treaty Principles Bill being voted down on it’s second reading and the party announcing they will be running candidates in general seats in the next election.

For our weekly catch up Producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about the Treaty Principles Bill being voted down at second reading, an ACT Party Members Bill proposing the removal of university services based on race, and research finding female MPs are increasingly receiving abuse online.

Evie also spoke to Students Against Dangerous Driving’s (SADD) Donna Govorko about the government proposal to change the drivers license testing from two practical tests, to one - removing the full license test.

And Joel spoke to the Co-convenor for Justice for Palestine, Samira Zaiton, about recent controversial comments made by Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow, and the organisation's calls for Rainbow to leave his position.

Whakarongo mai.

The Wire w/ Caeden: 10 April, 2025

The Wire w/ Caeden: 10 April, 2025 The Wire w/ Caeden: 10 April, 2025, 96.33 MB
Thu 10 Apr 2025

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, absent Thursday Wire Host Caeden spoke to MP Shanan Halbert about changing free speech rules for universities, the government’s increase in defence spending, and the impact of Trump’s tariffs.

For City Counselling this week, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about the the Western Springs Speedway Association launching a court battle against the council and councillors deciding what to do with vacant land from storm-affected housing.

For International Desk, Caeden spoke to Charles Hunt from Boise State University about United States Senator Cory Booker’s record-breaking 25-hour filibuster. 

And Caeden spoke to Lara Greaves (Ngāpuhi, Pākehā, Tararā) from the Victoria University of Wellington about research into the high levels of harassment and abuse that female MPs face.

Report highlighting abuse female politicians face in Aotearoa w/ the Victoria University of Wellington's Lara Greaves: 10 April, 2025

Report highlighting abuse female politicians face in Aotearoa w/ the Victoria University of Wellington's Lara Greaves: 10 April, 2025 Report highlighting abuse female politicians face in Aotearoa w/ the Victoria University of Wellington's Lara Greaves: 10 April, 2025, 6.67 MB
Thu 10 Apr 2025

A new report led by the University of Otago Wellington has found high rates of abuse and harassment against female members of parliament in Aotearoa. 

Eleven MPs from across the political spectrum participated in the study which found they were regularly harassed, threatened with rape and even death threats.

The study is led by Dr Rhiannon Watson and Dr Lucy Hammans and builds on previous research into harassment of MPs. 

Thursday Wire Host Caeden spoke to Dr Lara Greaves (Ngāpuhi, Pākehā, Tararā), associate professor in politics at Victoria University, about the study and its broader context in Aotearoa and global politics.

Caeden started by asking if she could explain the key findings of the study.

The ethics of bringing back the Dire Wolf and other extinct species w/ The University of Otago's Nic Rawlence: 9 April, 2025

The ethics of bringing back the Dire Wolf and other extinct species w/ The University of Otago's Nic Rawlence: 9 April, 2025 The ethics of bringing back the Dire Wolf and other extinct species w/ The University of Otago's Nic Rawlence: 9 April, 2025, 17.1 MB
Wed 9 Apr 2025

American company 'Colossal Biosciences' claim to have brought back the Dire Wolf using genetic engineering and preserved DBA, despite the species having been extinct for over 10,000 years.

Producer Max spoke with the Director of the Otago Paleo Genetics Lab at the University of Otago, Nic Rawlence, about the supposed "de-extinction" of the Dire Wolf, as well as the ethics of bringing back extinct species.

The Wire w/ Oto: 9 April, 2025

The Wire w/ Oto: 9 April, 2025 The Wire w/ Oto: 9 April, 2025, 113.35 MB
Wed 9 Apr 2025

For their weekly catchup w/ the Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez-March, Oto spoke to him about the Justice Committees recommendations for the treaty principles bill, the $12 billion boost to the New Zealand Defence Force and Donald Trump’s Tariffs on New Zealand

He spoke to Valerie Morse from Peace Action Wellington for a follow up conversation on the government’s boost to the defence budget.

And he spoke to Shaun Awatere, Kaihautū Māori Research Impact Leader at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, about the state of the environment report released by the Ministry for the environment.

Max spoke to the Director of the Otago Paleo Genetics Lab at the University of Otago, Nic Rawlence, about the supposed “de-extinction” of the Dire Wolf, and the ethics of bringing back extinct species.

For this week’s Green Desk, Producer Sara spoke to Rongoā Māori expert kuia Donna Kerridge, on her upcoming EcoFest 2025 event into understanding Māori medicine.

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.