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The Wire

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.

The Wire w/ Andre: May 03, 2023

The Wire w/ Andre: May 03, 2023 The Wire w/ Andre: May 03, 2023, 96.9 MB
Wed 3 May 2023

This week on Wednesday's Wire...

Emilia chats to Green Party Co-Leader James Shaw about the Emissions Trading Scheme following advice from the Climate Change Commission.

Andre talks to Anti-AUKUS Coalition member, John Richards, and Dr Arama Rata about the anti-AUKUS protest outside of Parliament last week and Nanaia Mahuta’s comments on Newshub Nation about AUKUS.

On The Green Desk, Jack Marshall interviews Julie Dillip from the University of Victoria about the state of Aotearoa’s wetlands. 

Nicholas spoke to Professor Craig Elliffe about the IRD wealth tax reports and its implications on our tax system.

Arno speaks to Kelly Burrowes, from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, about prescription-model vaping

Arno also speaks to Richard Easther, astrophysicist at the University of Auckland, about the Euclid space mission

Euclid Space Mission w/ Richard Easter: 3 May, 2023

Euclid Space Mission w/ Richard Easter: 3 May, 2023 Euclid Space Mission w/ Richard Easter: 3 May, 2023, 14.84 MB
Wed 3 May 2023

Slated for a July launch, the Euclid satellite will scan the depths of the universe in order to help astronomers and other scientists better understand physics and the origins of the universe. 

The two tonne satellite will be launched on a SpaceX rocket, and it features two sets of imaging equipment capable of taking photos of parts of the universe 10 billion years old. 

Arno spoke to Richard Easther, University of Auckland astrophysicist about the Euclid satellite. Arno started by asking him what astronomers hope to uncover.

The Wire w/ Milly : May 02, 2023

The Wire w/ Milly : May 02, 2023 The Wire w/ Milly : May 02, 2023 , 104.2 MB
Tue 2 May 2023

Welcome to the Tuesday Wire! This week on the show: 

  • A purrfect Dear Science coming up very shortly with Joel Rindelaub and the Tuesday Wire team!
  • Beth Speaks to Lokesh Padhye from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Auckland University about the Three Waters Overhaul.
  • Milly has her weekly catchup with Dr Shane Reti from the National Party regarding Chris Hipkin’s newly announced budget as well as National’s plans with the agriculture industry 
  • Milly speaks to Angela Meyer from the Gender Project on the largest study into Single Parents in Aotearoa that was released this morning
  • Friend of the Tuesday Wire Jack Cormack-Neto speaks to Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker about the fourth wave of COVID that New Zealand is experiencing right now.

Whakarongo ki konei!

Aotearoa's 4th Wave of COVID w/ Micheal Baker

Aotearoa's 4th Wave of COVID w/ Micheal Baker Aotearoa's 4th Wave of COVID w/ Micheal Baker , 21.84 MB
Tue 2 May 2023

As New Zealand faces a fourth wave of COVID infections, Public health must be prioritised once again. Nick joins the Tuesday Wire with this interview and spoke to Professor Michael Baker, Epidemiologist, to explore what this means and what the public can do to stay safe. 

The Wire w/ Jessica Hopkins: 1 May, 2023

The Wire w/ Jessica Hopkins: 1 May, 2023 The Wire w/ Jessica Hopkins: 1 May, 2023 , 29.66 MB
Mon 1 May 2023

On The Wire for Rāhina Monday.  

Hanna Thompson spoke to Te Pati Māori's Takutai Kemp about the Inland Revenue Department's High-Wealth Individuals Research Report, the underfunding of Kura.

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins chatted with ACT’s Karen Chhour about the IRD Report and a possible congestion charging scheme.

And Community Pharmacy owner in Te Awamutu, and member of the Prescription Access Initiative, Gina Perry, about their calls to remove prescription fees. 

Caeden Tipler spoke to Renters United National Organiser Eimhin O’Shea and Gina Dao-McLay from the Green Party about the National Party’s new renting policy.

And Alex Bonham talked to Associate Professor Linda Tyler from the University of Auckland about the evolving role of libraries.

National's New Renting Policy w/ Eimhin O'Shea and Gina Dao-McLay

National's New Renting Policy w/ Eimhin O'Shea and Gina Dao-McLay National's New Renting Policy w/ Eimhin O'Shea and Gina Dao-McLay, 21.17 MB
Mon 1 May 2023

The National Party have announced a new renting policy, claiming if elected they'll bring back no-cause rental terminations and tax breaks for landlords. National's housing spokesperson Chris Bishop claims this move is "pro-tenant" but there have been many vocal opponents over the past few days.

Caeden spoke with two people who have criticised the announcement, Eimhin O'Shea from Renters United and Gina Dao-McLay, Green Party candidate for Mana.

Firstly Caeden spoke to Eimhin, then spoke to Gina on their perspective. 

Capital Gains Tax and Congestion Charges w/ ACT’s Karen Chhour: 1 May, 2023

Capital Gains Tax and Congestion Charges w/ ACT’s Karen Chhour: 1 May, 2023 Capital Gains Tax and Congestion Charges w/ ACT’s Karen Chhour: 1 May, 2023, 17.04 MB
Mon 1 May 2023

For their weekly catch-up, News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to ACT’s Karen Chhour about the Inland Revenue Department's High-Wealth Individuals Research Report, Chris Hipkins' announcement that the government will not implement any capital gains tax, wealth tax, or cyclone tax in this year's budget, and the government's call for cross-party support on a possible congestion charging scheme.

Removing Prescription Fees w/ Community Pharmacy Owner Gemma Perry: 1 May, 2023

Removing Prescription Fees w/ Community Pharmacy Owner Gemma Perry: 1 May, 2023 Removing Prescription Fees w/ Community Pharmacy Owner Gemma Perry: 1 May, 2023, 11.59 MB
Mon 1 May 2023

A new survey of 150 community pharmacists in Aotearoa has found that government prescription fees contribute to serious health issues and cause significant community distress.

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Gemma Perry, a Community Pharmacy owner in Te Awamutu.

Perry is a member of the Prescription Access Initiative, a group working to enact change around copayments about this.

She started by asking Perry why removing prescription fees for medication is necessary.

Fourth Covid-19 Wave w/ Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker: 28 April, 2023

Fourth Covid-19 Wave w/ Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker: 28 April, 2023 Fourth Covid-19 Wave w/ Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker: 28 April, 2023, 20.47 MB
Fri 28 Apr 2023

Aotearoa is experiencing a fourth wave of Covid-19 cases. 

Jack Cormack-Neto spoke to Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker, who explained why can't be complacent and that Aotearoa needs to prioritise public health.

2024 US Election w/ Associate Professor Stephen Hoadley: April 27, 2023

2024 US Election w/ Professor Stephen Hoadley: April 27, 2023 2024 US Election w/ Professor Stephen Hoadley: April 27, 2023, 18.55 MB
Thu 27 Apr 2023

Spike speaks to Associate Professor Stephen Hoadley about Biden's official 2024 campaign announcement, and how the election cycle is currently shaping up.  

City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: December 18, 2025

City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: December 18, 2025 City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: December 18, 2025, 18.24 MB
Thu 18 Dec 2025

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.

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 17 December, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 17 December, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 17 December, 2025, 29.61 MB
Wed 17 Dec 2025

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.

Inquiry on online harm, RMA, and Fast Track Amendments Bill w/ National MP Carl Bates: 16 December 2025

Inquiry on online harm, RMA, and Fast Track Amendments Bill w/ National MP Carl Bates: 16 December 2025 Inquiry on online harm, RMA, and Fast Track Amendments Bill w/ National MP Carl Bates: 16 December 2025, 16.1 MB
Tue 16 Dec 2025

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.

Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 16 December, 2025

Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 16 December, 2025 Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 16 December, 2025, 29.9 MB
Tue 16 Dec 2025

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about how a journal has retracted a study on a weed killer, how it’s easier to identify a cat by its purr rather than meow, and how time is faster on Mars.

Landing 20 December, Forces of Flight, MOTAT’s newest Aviation Hall exhibition - Discover the forces that take you sky-high!

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

RMA overhaul and Education and Workforce Committee’s interim report on social media harm w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 15 December, 2025

RMA overhaul and Education and Workforce Committee’s interim report on social media harm w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 15 December, 2025 RMA overhaul and Education and Workforce Committee’s interim report on social media harm w/ the ACT Party's Simon Court: 15 December, 2025, 18.85 MB
Mon 15 Dec 2025

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.

“Block the Ban” Protest, UN Report Critical of the Government on Māori Rights, and Lower Targets for Methane Emissions Against Official Advice w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 11 December, 2025

“Block the Ban” Protest, UN Report Critical of the Government on Māori Rights, and Lower Targets for Methane Emissions Against Official Advice w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 11 December, 2025 “Block the Ban” Protest, UN Report Critical of the Government on Māori Rights, and Lower Targets for Methane Emissions Against Official Advice w/ Labour’s Shanan Halbert: 11 December, 2025, 9.57 MB
Thu 11 Dec 2025

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.

City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: December 11, 2025

City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: December 11, 2025 City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: December 11, 2025, 11.23 MB
Thu 11 Dec 2025

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.

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 10 December, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 10 December, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party's Ricardo Menendez March: 10 December, 2025, 29.89 MB
Wed 10 Dec 2025

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.

Get Action! Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers w/ activist Lauren Craig: 10 December 2025

Get Action! Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers w/ activist Lauren Craig: 10 December 2025 Get Action! Reverse the decision to deny transgender and takatāpui young people access to puberty blockers w/ activist Lauren Craig: 10 December 2025, 9.82 MB
Wed 10 Dec 2025

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

Scrutiny Week w/ National MP Carl Bates: 9 December 2025

Scrutiny Week w/ National MP Carl Bates: 9 December 2025 Scrutiny Week w/ National MP Carl Bates: 9 December 2025, 21.35 MB
Tue 9 Dec 2025

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