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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/ Casper: November 22, 2022

The Wire w/ Casper: November 22, 2022 The Wire w/ Casper: November 22, 2022, 101.7 MB
Tue 22 Nov 2022

This week on the Tuesday Wire, Allan Blackman joined Casper and Milly in the studio for our Dear Science segment.

Casper spoke to National Party MP Dr Shane Reti about their new Youth Offenders policy announced last week.

Daniel put together a package on the movement to lower the voting age to 16, speaking to Make it 16 cofounder Sanat Singh and Greens MP Golriz Ghahraman.

And Milly had a chat with Kristina Hillock about a new Hector dolphin sighting and updated dolphin recording methods.

UN Loss and Damage Fund w/ Professor Steven Ratuva: November 21, 2022

UN Loss and Damage Fund w/ Professor Steven Ratuva: November 21, 2022 UN Loss and Damage Fund w/ Professor Steven Ratuva: November 21, 2022, 10.09 MB
Mon 21 Nov 2022

Following the 27th annual UN Climate Change conference, known as COP27, landmark reparations known as Loss and Damage funds have been set up in order to allow wealthy countries to help poorer countries deal with the effects of climate change. 

Arno spoke to Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva of the University of Canterbury about the outcomes of COP27, including how New Zealand is helping to fight the effects of climate change on less developed countries. 

To start off, Ratuva spoke about the purpose of the conference. 

Rainbow Census Questions w/ Jason Attewell: November 21, 2022

Rainbow Census Questions w/ Jason Attewell: November 21, 2022 Rainbow Census Questions w/ Jason Attewell: November 21, 2022, 9.53 MB
Mon 21 Nov 2022

Spike speaks to Jason Attewell from Stats NZ about the 2023 census including, for the first time, questions about gender and sexual identity.

OurActionStation - Weed Decriminalisation w/ Hayden Eastmond-Mein: November 21, 2022

OurActionStation - Weed Decriminalisation w/ Hayden Eastmond-Mein: November 21, 2022 OurActionStation - Weed Decriminalisation w/ Hayden Eastmond-Mein: November 21, 2022, 11.16 MB
Mon 21 Nov 2022

This week on OurActionStation, Spike speaks to Hayden Eastmond-Mein from the New Zealand Drug Foundation about their petition calling for cannabis decriminalisation and pardoning in Aotearoa.

National's Youth Offender Policy w/ Lisa Woods

National's Youth Offender Policy w/ Lisa Woods National's Youth Offender Policy w/ Lisa Woods, 5.73 MB
Mon 21 Nov 2022

National’s newly announced proposed policy to deal with youth crime has drawn criticism from many. Among those condemning the idea of boot camps for youth offenders aged 10-17, is Lisa Woods, campaign director of amnesty international. Stella spoke to her on The Wire.

The Wire w/ Stella: 21 November

The Wire w/ Stella: 21 November The Wire w/ Stella: 21 November, 73.2 MB
Mon 21 Nov 2022

Welcome to The Wire for Rāhina Monday! Today, Spike speaks to Jason Attewell from Stats NZ about next year’s census asking questions about gender and sexuality. Stella speaks to Lisa Woods from Amnesty International about National’s policy plans for youth offending. On ActionStation Spike speaks to Hayden Eastmond-Mein from the New Zealand Drug Foundation about their petition pushing for cannabis decriminalisation. Stella speaks to Jacqui Southey from Save the Children about the well-being of Ukrainian children. Arno speaks to Steven Ratuva from the university of canterbury about the outcomes of COP27.

The Well-being of Ukrainian Children w/ Jacqui Southey

The Well-being of Ukrainian Children w/ Jacqui Southey The Well-being of Ukrainian Children w/ Jacqui Southey, 19.1 MB
Mon 21 Nov 2022

As conflict rages on in Ukraine, Save the Children is keeping tabs on the well-being of children in the region and leaving the region due to the conflict. Stella speaks to advocacy director Jacqui Southey about their recent reports on the state of education and mental well-being of Ukrainian children.

 

Tertiary Education Union Rally: November 18, 2022

Tertiary Education Union Rally: November 18, 2022 Tertiary Education Union Rally: November 18, 2022, 9.95 MB
Fri 18 Nov 2022

Tertiary Education Union members at Waipapa Taumata Rau The University of Auckland will begin a ban on entering and releasing student marks from 7 pm tonight until 7 pm on Friday November 18th.

Organiser Adam Craigie says the strike is a result of continuing frustration and anger from members over what they sey is an inadequate pay offer.

Currently, the University's best offer is contingent on removing important conditions such as retirement leave and does not match rising inflation. 

Joe spoke to members of the Union during their rally about what their message to the University and students is.

Greenpeace confronts a deep sea mining ship: November 18, 2022

Greenpeace confronts a deep sea mining ship: November 18, 2022 Greenpeace confronts a deep sea mining ship: November 18, 2022, 5.4 MB
Fri 18 Nov 2022

The Hidden Gem, commissioned by Canadian miner The Metals Company, has just returned from eight weeks of test mining in the Clarion Clipperton Zone between México and Hawaii. One of the biggest vessels of its type in the world, the ship planned to mine 3,600 tonnes of polymetallic nodules from the seafloor in a trial that could pave the way for full scale commercial mining. 

Greenpeace México activists met The Hidden Gem in kayaks holding ‘Stop Deep Sea Mining’ banners while Greenpeace Aotearoa campaigner James Hita delivered a message to the captain of the Hidden Gem via radio

 

Bug of Year w/ Morgane Marien: November 18, 2022

Bug of Year w/ Morgane Marien: November 18, 2022 Bug of Year w/ Morgane Marien: November 18, 2022 , 12.43 MB
Fri 18 Nov 2022

Everyone has heard of Bird of the Year, however, voting for the inaugural Bug of the Year competition opened this week.

New Zealand is home to over 20,000 species of insects and spiders and they make up an important part of our ecosystem.

The Entomological Society hopes this competition will create a new appreciation for our native insects.

David spoke to Christchurch Museum entomologist Morgane Merien about the competition and the importance of bugs to our ecosystem.

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!

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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

Fast Fashion in Aotearoa w/ University of Auckland Marketing Professor Mike Lee and Mindful Fashion Chief Executive Jacinta Fitzgerald: 9 December 2025

Fast Fashion in Aotearoa w/ University of Auckland Marketing Professor Mike Lee and Mindful Fashion Chief Executive Jacinta Fitzgerald: 9 December 2025 Fast Fashion in Aotearoa w/ University of Auckland Marketing Professor Mike Lee and Mindful Fashion Chief Executive Jacinta Fitzgerald: 9 December 2025, 47 MB
Tue 9 Dec 2025

With the rise of fast fashion outlets like Shein and Temu alongside the wider mainstream options available that contribute substantial amounts of clothing waste to landfill, experts are calling for an urgent response on a governance, business, and individual level.

Wire Host Sara spoke to Mindful Fashion Chief Executive Jacinta Fitzgerald about the problem, and the industry response to sustainability, as well as University of Auckland Marketing Professor Mike Lee about the importance of ethical consumption.for individuals.

First, is the interview with Fitzgerald, where she begins by talking about the organisation Mindful Fashion.

Following this, Sara spoke to Marketing Professor Mike Lee about the research he has undertaken around consumerism.

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

Dear Science w/ Dr Cushla McGoverin: 9 December, 2025

Dear Science w/ Dr Cushla McGoverin: 9 December, 2025 Dear Science w/ Dr Cushla McGoverin: 9 December, 2025, 37.1 MB
Tue 9 Dec 2025

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin chats with us about what may have triggered the Black Death, a chameleon-like nanomaterial, and how microbes could help protect underground nuclear waste.

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!