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.
Julie Stout has recently been announced as the 2021 New Zealand Institute of Architects Gold Medalist. The award is a big deal in the architecture world - it’s the highest honour for architecture in Aotearoa, and recognises architects for their life’s work and contribution to the advancement of architecture in New Zealand. Julie is not only an architect but she is also an educator and an activist, and she is the first ever woman to receive the award. This week on the Wire Frances and Julie spoke about Julie's life as an architect, her activism work within Tamaki Makarau, and her hope for the future of architecture in Aotearoa.
This week Frances introduces our new (yet to be named) European segment where she will be catching up weekly with ex bFM vollie Cameron Mulgan. He is living in Berlin and joining us as a Europe correspondent. This week Cameron and Frances spoke about the developments in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the free trade deal recently signed between the UK and New Zealand.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has recently released a new report, the second of three reports. The 2022 report focuses on climate change impacts, adaptaion and vulnerability, looking at ecosystems and human communities. it reviewed how vulnerable we are and how well the natural world and human societies can adapt to climate change.
Christina Huang spoke to Professor Bronwyn Hayward and Professor Anita Wreford, two researchers from Aotearoa who worked on the climate change report.
Today on the Tuesday Wire, Christina kicks off the show with Dear Science, which has moved to Tuesday! She talks to Professor Allan Blackman from AUT about the distinction between "chemical weapons" and other weaponry, the accidental discovery of radioactivity 126 years ago, and new research showing dogs can go into mourning when their canine companions die.
Christina also speaks to Professor Bronwyn Hayward and Professor Anita Wreford, two researchers involved with the Intergovernmental Climate Change report released today. They discuss the findings of the report, economic and agricultural impacts, and what can be done to mitigate the global crisis.
Producer Trishil Dahya speaks to Associate Professor Stevel Weddell from the University of Canterbury about new research that can improve the quality of satellite imagery.
And finally, Christina speaks to senior linguistics lecturer Julia de Bres from Massey University about the government's Covid-19 communication strategy and the language used in their vaccination campaigns.
Throughout the pandemic, the New Zealand government’s Covid-19 response has been one of the strongest in the world. But its communications strategy has not been as widely praised, with government advice inclung phrases such as “you’re good bro”, the “shot cuz” vaccination buses, and the infamous "Two Shots for Summer" campaign.
I spoke to Julia de Bres, a senior linguistics lecturer at Massey University, about the government's communication strategy, and their seemingly odd usage of Kiwi slang.
On today's Monday Wire Charlie spoke with Yurko Galdun, Chairman of the Ukrainian Association of New Zealand Northern Regions, about the peaceful protest against Russia's military action that happened in Auckland. As Omicron raises staff shortage concerns in the health sector, Bindi Norwell, CEO of ProCare, discussed their ‘Mission Possible’ initiative with Charlie. Green MP Chloë Swarbrick also spoke with Charlie about an open-letter to improve cultural infrastructure.
Sam spoke with Marcelle Dawson, sociology professor at Otago University about the anti-mandate protests happening in Welington. As many students went back to university today, once again online, Sam spoke with two post graduate students about wanting a partial refund on fees.
A peaceful protest took place on 27th February to show support for Ukraine and condemn Russia's military action. Yurko Galdun, Chairman of the Ukrainian Association of New Zealand Northern Regions, spoke with Charlie about the protest, and why what's happening in Ukraine should be important to New Zealanders. Yurko also discusses where you can give aid and donations.
An open-letter with 60 signatures was submitted by Green MP Chloë Swarbrick with solution suggestions to improve culture infrastructure in Auckland. Charlie spoke to to Chloë about the proposals, accepted solutions and the future of artistic and social spaces.
The anti-mandate protests in Wellington have been going on for nearly three weeks. They’re becoming increasingly problematic, with residents and reporters being threatened.
New Zealand has a long history of protests and this is the most widely-covered protest since the 1981 Springbok Tour. But what makes these anti-mandate protests different?
Sam Clark spoke to sociology Professor Marcelle Dawson from The University of Otago, who specialises in social movements and popular protest.
It’s the first week back for many University of Auckland students. As announced earlier this month, all classes will be online. Students say they want their fees partially refunded, as they won’t have access to facilities.
Sam Clark spoke to postgrad students Amy Hirst and Nerng Tim about beginning yet another semester of online study.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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