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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.

Menopause Stigma w/Isis McKay

Menopause Stigma with Isis McKay Menopause Stigma with Isis McKay, 25.13 MB
Mon 23 May 2022

Despite Menopause being a natural hormone change in women's bodies, women don't often feel comfortable discussing the changes they experience and often feel stigmatised.

Trishil Dahya spoke to Isis McKay from Women's Health Action about the stigmas surrouding menopause.

The Wire w/ Trishil: May 23, 2022

The Wire w/ Trishil: May 23, 2022 The Wire w/ Trishil: May 23, 2022, 112.13 MB
Mon 23 May 2022

This week on the Monday Wire, Trishil is filling in for Charlie.

Stella and Isla are talking to marine biologist Georgia Third for this week's episode of Tomorrow’s World.

Trishil speaks to Isis McKay from the Women’s Health Action about the stigma’s surrounding menopause. He also speaks to Dr Arindam Basu on the developing Monkeypox endemic, as well as Dr Jennifer Curtin about the Australian Election, and how the result will affect the nation over the next three years.

Joe speaks to Chloe Swarbrick The Green Party today about the Department of Conservation failing to submit the resource to consent on Putiki Bay. He also talks to Professor Nicola Gaston about how the Budget for 2022 and how the funding science has received may go towards research and innovation.

That's us for the Monday Wire!

The DOC's Resource Consent on Pūtiki Bay w/ Chlöe Swarbrick: May 23, 2022

The DOC's Resource Consent on Pūtiki Bay w/ Chlöe Swarbrick: May 23, 2022 The DOC's Resource Consent on Pūtiki Bay w/ Chlöe Swarbrick: May 23, 2022, 17.94 MB
Mon 23 May 2022

Auckland Central Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick has revealed that the Department of Conservation has failed to submit a resource consent to  protect native kororā (penguins) at Pūtiki Bay on Waiheke Island. Chloe says the “DOC has statutory responsibilities to stand up for nature and do so in partnership with tangata whenua. It looks like the department has failed on both those counts and ultimately, kororā will pay the price” 

Joe spoke with Chloe on the matter. 

 

The Spread of Monkeypox w/Dr Arindam Basu

The Spread of Monkeypox w/Dr Arindam Basu The Spread of Monkeypox w/Dr Arindam Basu, 15.6 MB
Mon 23 May 2022

The first recorded case of Monkeypox to spread from Africa was detected in the UK on May 17th. Since then, the virus has travelled across 12 countries affecting 146 people. 

As the virus gets closer to New Zealand, Trishil Dahya spoke to Dr Arindam Basu from the Universtiy of Canterbury about the virus, and it's disease profile

Budget 2022 and Science w/ Professor Nicola Gaston: May 23, 2022

Budget 2022 and Science w/ Professor Nicola Gaston: May 23, 2022 Budget 2022 and Science w/ Professor Nicola Gaston: May 23, 2022, 24.06 MB
Mon 23 May 2022

Last Thursday, the Budget for 2022 was released. This years budget comes ahead of what could be a significant overhaul of the research, science, and innovation sector of science in the coming years. Joe spoke to Professor Nicola Gaston, from the Department of Physics at the University of Auckland, about what this year's budget means for the Science and Research Community

The Australian Election Result and Fallout w/Dr Jennifer Curtin

The Australian Election Result and Fallout w/Dr Jennifer Curtin The Australian Election Result and Fallout w/Dr Jennifer Curtin, 14.3 MB
Mon 23 May 2022

Anthony Albanese has assumed leadership of Australia, ending 10 years of Liberal Party rule in the country. The fallout has left Outgoing Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceding defeat and stepping down from the Liberal Party.

Trishil Dahya spoke to Dr Jennifer Curtin from the University of Auckland about the election results, the next three years for the nation, and trans-tasman relations.

The Wire with Casper (Budget Special!): May 20th, 2022

The Wire with Casper (Budget Special!): May 20th, 2022 The Wire with Casper (Budget Special!): May 20th, 2022, 103.83 MB
Fri 20 May 2022

On the show today we have a budget special, chatting about several different aspects of the spending and what different people think. 

Casper talked to Auckland City Councillor Pippa Coom about the extension of the fares subsidy scheme.

Liam spoke to ACT Party leader and Finance spokesperson David Seymour, as well as The Green Parties Julie Anne Genter about the cost of living package and what their parties think of the budget as a whole.

Casper also spoke to Bronwyn Hayward from the University of Canterbury on how the budget is addressing climate.

He also chatted to Cherie Taylor-Patel, the President of the NZ Principals’ Federation, on changes to the school funding system.

Greens on Budget 2022 w/ Julie Anne Genter: May 20th, 2022

Greens on Budget 2022 w/ Julie Anne Genter: May 20th, 2022 Greens on Budget 2022 w/ Julie Anne Genter: May 20th, 2022, 15.07 MB
Fri 20 May 2022

One of the most highlighted aspects of the 2022 budget is the Cost Of Living Package, allowing those making less than seventy grand per year to receive three hundred and fifty dollars over the span of three months. 

The check will not go ahead for those under eighteen, nor anyone who is already receiving the Winter Energy Payment.

As well as speaking to ACT Party Leader David Seymour, Liam spoke with the Green Parties Finance spokesperson Julie Anne Genter about their thoughts on the budget, and how they think some of it could’ve been spent differently. 

He first asked her how much she thinks the payment will alleviate the cost of living crisis.

Replacing the Decile System w/ Cherie Taylor-Patel: May 20, 2022

Replacing the Decile System w/ Cherie Taylor-Patel: May 20, 2022 Replacing the Decile System w/ Cherie Taylor-Patel: May 20, 2022, 16.39 MB
Fri 20 May 2022

$300 million was allocated in the new budget under education spending towards replacing the school decile system with a new Equity Index The decile system currently governs how much government funding is given to each school based on a socio-economic evaluation of the area the school resides in.

Casper spoke to the President of the New Zealand Principals’ Association, Cherie Taylor-Patel, about the issues with the decile system, how it will be replaced, and the effect of the education budget overall.

Climate Change in 2022 Budget w/ Bronwyn Hayward: May 20, 2022

Climate Change in 2022 Budget w/ Bronwyn Hayward: May 20, 2022 Climate Change in 2022 Budget w/ Bronwyn Hayward: May 20, 2022, 18.45 MB
Fri 20 May 2022

Last week Casper spoke with Bronwyn Hayward, a professor in the political science department at the University of Canterbury and a member of the IPCC intergovernmental panel on climate change about how the 2022 budget could address climate change.

Since the budget was released, to update their discussion, Casper and Bronwyn had another chat about the government’s efforts to compat climate change through their allocation of funds.

Property Valuation Declines & City Rail Link Maungawhau and K'Road Stations w/ Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson: 12 June 2025

Property Valuation Declines & City Rail Link Maungawhau and K'Road Stations w/ Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson: 12 June 2025 Property Valuation Declines & City Rail Link Maungawhau and K'Road Stations w/ Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson: 12 June 2025, 19.25 MB
Thu 12 Jun 2025

On Tuesday, Aucklanders checked the updated property valuations of their house, for many to find declines in value by 10s of thousands of dollars —- on average, by 9% from when they were last done in 2021. 
According to the Council. rating valuations were based on market trends and recent sales activity, as of May 1 2024.
Wayne Brown said in response to the decreased values, “The economy's been faltering for a while, and It's really driven by government policies rather than Auckland's policies,”

Also, as we get closer to 2026 and the completion of the City Rail Link, Aucklanders have expressed various concerns about the standard of completion, including incorporation of public feedback. 
I discuss the incorporation of the wider neighbourhood in Mt Eden at the Maungawhau station and the dismissal of public perspectives at the K Road station

The Freedom Flotilla, Sanctions Against Israeli Politicians, and the NBR Rich List w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 12 June, 2025

The Freedom Flotilla, Sanctions Against Israeli Politicians, and the NBR Rich List w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 12 June, 2025 The Freedom Flotilla, Sanctions Against Israeli Politicians, and the NBR Rich List w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 12 June, 2025, 9.32 MB
Thu 12 Jun 2025

New Zealand and key allies have imposed sanctions on two “extremist” Israeli politicians for their role in “inciting violence against Palestinians” in the West Bank.

However, opposition parties, including Labour as well as the Greens and Te Pāti Māori, are calling for further action to be taken against Israel.

It comes after Israel kidnapped 12 pro-Palestine activists on international waters, who were intending to break the aid blockade and reach Gaza.

And earlier this week, the National Business released their annual rich list.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, I spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about these topics.

International Desk: The Los Angeles protests against ICE w/ Yale Daily News Andre Fa’aoso: 12 June, 2024

International Desk: The Los Angeles protests against ICE w/ Yale Daily News Andre Fa’aoso: 12 June, 2024 International Desk: The Los Angeles protests against ICE w/ Yale Daily News Andre Fa’aoso: 12 June, 2024, 19.58 MB
Thu 12 Jun 2025

Los Angeles is approaching a week of protests against ICE, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Over 200 protestors have been arrested since the protests began, and restrictions have been placed on protestors, including a curfew.

The White House has sent 2,000 members of the National Guard to the city already, and another 2,000 are expected to be deployed. This is despite California Governor Gavin Newsom attempting to stop their deployment. 

For International Desk, I spoke to Andre Fa’aoso from the Yale Daily News about the protests.

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez-March: 11 June, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez-March: 11 June, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez-March: 11 June, 2025, 26.37 MB
Wed 11 Jun 2025

The Green party recently made renewed calls to the government to sanction Israel for its illegal occupation of Palestine following the seizure of the Madleen, a vessel that aimed to deliver food and medical aid to Gaza.

The vessel, which was en route to Gaza, was intercepted in the Mediterranean by the Israeli Defence Forces before being rerouted to Israel with all those on board, among whom was Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford recently announced the Parent Boost Visa, part of the government’s self-described commitment to supporting parents living overseas to visit and stay with their families here in Aotearoa.

And, over in the United States, 2000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles in response to protests opposing the city’s recent immigration raids.

For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Oto spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about all of these issues

Get Action! Keep Aotearoa Incinerator Free! w/ Sue Coutts from Zero Waste Network New Zealand: 11 June, 2025

Get Action! Keep Aotearoa Incinerator Free! w/ Sue Coutts from Zero Waste Network New Zealand: 11 June, 2025 Get Action! Keep Aotearoa Incinerator Free! w/ Sue Coutts from Zero Waste Network New Zealand: 11 June, 2025, 26.42 MB
Wed 11 Jun 2025

Currently, 19 out of 38 OECD countries use incineration as a form of waste management.

With the process leading to a range of negative impacts, such as air pollution, Co2 emissions and respiratory illnesses, Aotearoa has luckily remained incinerator free.

However, calls have been made by some activists to strengthen New Zealand’s legislation to ensure that incineration facilities are not opened up in Aotearoa.

For this week’s Get Action! Oto spoke to Sue Coutts from Zero Waste Network New Zealand to discuss a petition calling on the government to keep New Zealand Incinerator-free.

If you'd like to sign this petition, you can find it here:

Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 10th June, 2025

Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 10th June, 2025 Dear Science w/ Professor Allan Blackman: 10th June, 2025, 21.79 MB
Tue 10 Jun 2025

This week on Dear Science our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chatted with us about how the universe really came about, causes of maths anxiety, and the makeup of a Dutch silver basin

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

Criticism at the AMAs, suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs, and new Parent Boost Visa w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 10th June, 2025

Criticism at the AMAs, suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs, and new Parent Boost Visa w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 10th June, 2025 Criticism at the AMAs, suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs, and new Parent Boost Visa w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 10th June, 2025, 13.69 MB
Tue 10 Jun 2025

These past few weeks in politics have seen various issues that we spoke about in our weekly catchup with the National Party.

First up, at the Aotearoa Music Awards, National MP Chris Bishop was heard making disdainful remarks such as “what a load of crap” during a performance by singer Stan Walker. 

Second, Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngārewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi were recently suspended from parliament for 21 days for their haka protesting the Treaty Principles Bill. The penalty is far harsher than any previous penalty for an MP, raising questions about whether it is justified or sets a dangerous precedent. 

Finally, the government recently announced a new visa for parents of migrants, allowing them to come to New Zealand for a longer period of time than traditional visitors without having to acquire residency.

Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues in our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, starting with Chris Bishop’s comments at the AMAs. 

David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour’s claims of ‘bots’ driving ‘fake’ submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill, and Te Pāti Māori MPs being suspended from Parliament w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 9 June, 2025

David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour’s claims of ‘bots’ driving ‘fake’ submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill, and Te Pāti Māori MPs being suspended from Parliament w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 9 June, 2025 David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour’s claims of ‘bots’ driving ‘fake’ submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill, and Te Pāti Māori MPs being suspended from Parliament w/ ACT’s Simon Court: 9 June, 2025, 23.65 MB
Mon 9 Jun 2025

As per coalition agreements, ACT Party Leader, David Seymour, has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister, taking over from NZ First Leader, Winston Peters.

For our weekly catch up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about Seymour’s new position, and what this means for the party.

They also discussed accusations Seymour made regarding submissions to the Regulatory Standards Bill.

In an interview with Guyon Espiner, Seymour claimed that 99.5% of the submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill were driven by ‘bots’ and were ‘fake’ submissions.

Seymour later clarified to RNZ that by bots, he was meaning “online campaigns” creating “non-representative samples” that do not represent the public’s opinion.

The Ministry of Regulations received roughly 23,000 submissions on the bill. Of the submissions. Of the submissions, 0.33% were fully or partially supporting the bill, with 88% being against the bill.

Finally, they discussed the recommended suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs’ Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke standing.

But they, we discussed David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister.

Te Pāti Māori MPs suspended from Parliament, NZ First Leader Winston Peters’ comments about Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi’s moko kanohi w/ Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp: 9 June, 2025

Te Pāti Māori MPs suspended from Parliament, NZ First Leader Winston Peters’ comments about Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi’s moko kanohi w/ Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp: 9 June, 2025 Te Pāti Māori MPs suspended from Parliament, NZ First Leader Winston Peters’ comments about Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi’s moko kanohi w/ Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp: 9 June, 2025, 16.3 MB
Mon 9 Jun 2025

The recommended suspension for Te Pāti Māori MPs, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, over the MP’s haka in Parliament during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill last year.

Co-leaders Ngarewa-Packer and Waititi will be suspended from the House for 21-days, with Maipi-Clarke facing a seven day suspension. This is Parliament's harshest sanctions in the country’s history. Prior to this, the longest suspension an MP had faced in Parliament was three days.

The debate had previously been delayed so that the MPs could participate in the Budget debate — however, both co-leaders were not present at the debate.

During the debate MP Tākuta Ferris said that the debate was not about the haka, but at the heart, it was the House continuing to ignore Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori sovereignty, and that the “racism” in the House is hardly being hidden.

For our weekly catch-up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp about the suspension, and what’s next for the party.

They also discussed NZ First Party Leader Winston Peters’ comments regarding Waititi’s moko, referring to the MPs moko kanohi as “scribbles”. He was asked to apologise by the Speaker, which he did.

But first, they discussed the suspension of the MPs.

Proposals for Mount Smart Road and Auckland peak-hour congestion & Ngā Hapori Momoho grants for community projects w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: June, 05 2025

Proposals for Mount Smart Road and Auckland peak-hour congestion & Ngā Hapori Momoho grants for community projects w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: June, 05 2025 Proposals for Mount Smart Road and Auckland peak-hour congestion & Ngā Hapori Momoho grants for community projects w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: June, 05 2025, 28.95 MB
Thu 5 Jun 2025

Auckland Transport are seeking community feedback on a proposal for a new T3 transit lane on Mount Smart Road to relieve congestion during peak times heading towards the Royal Oak roundabout.

Between better public transport systems, a ‘time of use’ charge, and different ways of managing Auckland traffic, Producer Sara asks Councillor Julie Fairey about how Auckland Council hopes to reduce peak-time congestion as the city’s population grows.

She also talk to Julie Fairey about the recent allocation of funds to community-led projects through Ngā Hapori Momoho. This year, the grant which aims to “improve financial security, improve health outcomes, and grow community and intercultural connection” has approved funding for eleven community groups, six of which are either Māori organisations or delivering ‘strong Māori outcomes’. 

Sara begins with questions about Auckland central congestion.

*unfortunately the audio quality on Julie's end is poor