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.
As of midnight on April 4, the government has removed the requirement for vaccine mandates and vaccine passes. However, the entire country will remain under the red traffic light setting, with no regions moving to orange. On The Wire, Christina spoke to epidemiologist Rod Jackson and Covid modeller Michael Plank about the loosened restrictions and what that means for Aotearoa.
This week on Dear Science, Christina caught up with AUT Professor Marcus Jones. They talked about the increased risk of developing diabetes after recovering from Covid, a new type of painkiller free of opioids, and how fish are able to learn basic maths.
The New Zealand Blood Service has called for those with A Positive Blood to donate as soon as possible to replenish reserves and to help save lives.
Trishil spoke to National Manager of Marketing and Communications Asuka Burge from the New Zealand Blood Service to discuss the critical need for A Positive donors, and how you can go about donating blood.
Over the weekend, a severe blaze broke out across the Awarua-Waituna wetlands, burning 1000 hectares of the land. The fires have highlighted a need for the Government to implement climate protections for the wetlands as it acts as a major carbon sink and contains a unique ecosystem.
Trishil spoke to Tom Kay from Forest and Bird to discuss the impact of the fires, and policy that can be implemented so the wetlands can be protected.
Host Christina had her regular catch up with AUT Professor Marcus Jones for Dear Science live in studio. They discussed the diabetes risk after Covid, a new opioid free painkiller, and how fish could be able to learn basic maths.
Christina also discussed the loosening of government restrictions overnight with Professor Rod Jackson and Professor Michael Plank.
Producer Trishil spoke to Asuka Burge from the New Zealand Blood Service about the critical need for those with A Positive blood to donate.
He also spoke to Forest and Bird Freshwater Advocate Tom Kay, as he calls for the Government to implement better climate goals in the wake of the Awarua-Waituna wetland fires.
Finally, Christina spoke to trade unionist Justine Sachs about her thoughts on Amazon workers in New York joining the Amazon Labour Union in the United States.
Recently, Amazon workers in Staten Island, New York, made history by voting to join the Amazon Labour Union. With a reputation of exploitation in Amazon warehouses, this news has significant implications for worker rights. Christina asked trade unionist Justine Sachs about her thoughts on the situation.
After a court case saw one New Zealand farmer get home detention for starving 28 cows to death, cattle laws in New Zealand come under question of how well they deal with cattle welfare. Charlie speaks with Oska Rego from the New Zealand Animal Law Association about the current agricultural cattle laws, and how these can be improved in the future.
Sam Clark speaks to Dr Paul Winton, founder of the 1.5 Project, a foundation that advocates for stronger climate action in Aotearoa. Winton explains what the Climate Change Commission’s proposal is missing and how the problem in Aotearoa is the cows and the cars. Winton says we need to treat climate action like we treat Covid-19 - a clear message from central and local government to raise awareness.
Microplastics have been found in human blood for the first time. With these particles entering every part of our enviornment, and even our blood, how can we regulate this pollution? Olga Pantos from the Institute of Encironmental Science and Research talks to Charlie about the composition of microplastics, her monitorisation study, and how these particles find thier way into our bodies.
Welcome back to another Monday Wire, on today's show:
Isla and Stella bring you "Tomorrow's World". They look at AI and machine learning with Krithik Ramesh, who won the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair at 16.
Charlie speaks to Olga Pantos from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research about how microplastics affect our lives, and how they're monitored. She also speaks to Oska Rego from the New Zealand Animal Law Association about the current state of New Zealand's cattle laws and what can be done to improve them.
Sam speaks to Dr Paul Winton about the 1.5 Project, how you can reduce your carbon emissions, and further climate action. He also speaks to Wendy Johns from Friends of Oakley Creek about the restoration of Te Auaunga Oakley Creek.
The Healthcare exec Brian Thompson was shot dead by a masked assailant last week.
The crime has gained significant controversy and attention online, with many using it to restart the debate on the inequities of the United States healthcare system.
And this week Yale University was the latest college to commit to divesting from weapons manufacturing after a student vote.
For State of the States this week Wire Host Caeden speak to Andre Fa’aoso from the Yale Daily News about both of these topics.
The government as announced their plan for the Cook Strait ferry a year after they scrapped Labour’s plan, including cancelling the ferries the Labour government had ordered.
And a new report from the Ministry of Social Development has revealed nearly a quarter of beneficiaries are not receiving their correct entitlements.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.
For City Counselling this week, producer Sofia caught up with Councillor Shane Henderson about proposed time-of-use charging to solve congestion problems in Tāmaki and Council selling their remaining Auckland Airport shares last week.
The Green party recently released He Ara Anamata - the Green party’s emissions reduction plan.
The document covers more than 10 areas of the economy and energy Sector that a Greens-led government would be looking to adapt to minimise carbon emissions and protect the natural landscapes of Aotearoa.
It also comes 5 months after the government released their own draft emissions plan. Numerous experts pointed out that the government is behind on their own plan’s targets to meet the crucial emissions budget for 2031-2035.
For their weekly catchup, Oto spoke to the Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez-March to discuss the party’s new emissions reduction plan and how they would address climate and the economy in a greens-led government.
Last election, one of the National Party’s main campaign promises was to be ‘tough on crime’, promising to increase police coverage and penalties for crimes. A target was set to increase the number of police officers by 500 by November 2025, however some police leaders today say this goal is unrealistic.
The government also announced this week some shakeups to insulation standards, which they say should make houses more affordable.
In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor spoke to him about police staffing targets and new insulation standards.
This week on Dear Science, our expert Doctor Cushla McGoverin chatted with us about what latrines teach us about people, climate variation affecting Chinese dynasties, and invasive species becoming threatened.
Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!
Last week it was revealed that two of the ten participants in the government's pilot bootcamp programme were on the run.
The youth were two months into the community rehabilitation phase of the programme, following the three month youth justice residence phase. Both teens were found in the weekend, but had allegedly reoffended, and are now set to come before the court.
For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, who have been heavily advocating for this programme, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about this incident.
She also talks to him about proposed changes to employment law which would give employers the power to dismiss workers earning over $180,000 without the employee refuting the decision.
And finally, she talks to him about David Seymour’s incumbent run as Deputy Prime Minister, which is set to begin in May of next year.
For City Counselling this week, Producer Sofia spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about changes to Auckland Transport’s responsibilities, nationwide bus and train fare hikes, and concerns over the opening of the City Rail Link.
For State of the States this week, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Andre Fa'aoso from the Yale Daily News about President Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, who was due to be sentenced next week for three felony charges.
They also discuss Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for FBI director, who is the latest in a long list of unorthodox picks for government positions from Trump
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