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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.

Companies searching for loopholes ahead of law changes w/ The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s Letitia Harding: 11 March, 2025

Companies searching for loopholes ahead of law changes w/ The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s Letitia Harding: 11 March, 2025 Companies searching for loopholes ahead of law changes w/ The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s Letitia Harding: 11 March, 2025, 8.49 MB
Tue 11 Mar 2025

There will be changes to Aotearoa's vape laws coming into effect on June 17, which aim to cut down on the high number of tamariki that are vaping.

Changes include a ban on displaying vape products in-store and online, with companies already exploring website redesigns and new customer engagement strategies to bypass the upcoming changes.

Producer Amani spoke to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation's Chief Executive Letita Harding on how companies are already searching for loopholes and an update on how Aotearoa is tracking in terms of "Smokefree Aotearoa 2025".

The Wire w/ Castor: 11th March, 2025

The Wire w/ Castor: 11th March, 2025 The Wire w/ Castor: 11th March, 2025, 106.9 MB
Tue 11 Mar 2025

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats to us about an old meteorite crater in Aus, the ozone hole healing, and rat fat consumption linked to memory loss.

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, Wire Host Castor asked about changes to the health sector and recent targeting of woke legislation. 

They also spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Shiloh Groot, about increased homelessness in Aotearoa. 

Producer Amani spoke to the Respiratory Foundation’s Letitia Harding about changes to Aotearoa’s vaping legislation.

Homelessness in Aotearoa on the rise w/ Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Shiloh Groot: 11th March, 2025

Homelessness in Aotearoa on the rise w/ Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Shiloh Groot: 11th March, 2025 Homelessness in Aotearoa on the rise w/ Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Shiloh Groot: 11th March, 2025, 8.41 MB
Tue 11 Mar 2025

Homelessness is on the rise in Aotearoa over the past few months, particularly due to the high cost of living and rent costs. Wire Host Castor spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Shiloh Groot, about the causes and potential solutions for homelessness in Aotearoa.

Big Life Changes w/ Global Innovator, Matt Hart: 10 March, 2025

Big Life Changes w/ Global Innovator, Matt Hart: 10 March, 2025 Big Life Changes w/ Global Innovator, Matt Hart: 10 March, 2025, 5.47 MB
Mon 10 Mar 2025

Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, in studio to discuss big life changes facing new university students.

The Wire w/ Joel: 10 March, 2025

The Wire w/ Joel: 10 March, 2025 The Wire w/ Joel: 10 March, 2025, 114.85 MB
Mon 10 Mar 2025

This week on the Monday Wire...

For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host Joel, spoke to her about the coalition government’s free school lunch programme, and the recent comments from Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, regarding this, the first reading of The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill, and changes made to free bowel cancer screening.

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, Joel spoke to him about the changes to free bowel cancer screening, NCEA testing, and the Labour Party’s portfolio reshuffle.

Producer Evie spoke to the Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ, Peter Huskinson, on the changes to free bowel cancer screening, and his organisation’s opinion that this move will be “a step backwards for health equity,” for Māori and Pacific people.

Joel spoke to the Director at E Tū Union, Michael Wood, about Canadian-born billionaire James Grenon purchasing 9.3% shares at NZME, which owns media outlets such as The Herald and Newstalk ZB, and the union’s concerns regarding this move.

Evie spoke to the Chair of Local Government New Zealand’s electoral reform working group, Nick Smith, on calls to make local governments four-year terms, in light of government introducing a four year parliamentary term.

And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss major life changes for young people in Aotearoa.

Whakarongo mai! 

Changes to the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme w/ Bowel Cancer NZ Chief Executive Peter Huskinson: 9 March, 2025

Changes to the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme w/ Bowel Cancer NZ Chief Executive Peter Huskinson: 9 March, 2025 Changes to the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme w/ Bowel Cancer NZ Chief Executive Peter Huskinson: 9 March, 2025 , 7.69 MB
Mon 10 Mar 2025

Bowel Cancer NZ has called the changes to screening ‘a step backwards for health equity.’ 

Māori face 50% and Pacific peoples 63% higher death rates from the disease once diagnosed. Māori, in particular, are diagnosed with bowel cancer an average of 10 years earlier than the general population.The organisation says a standard screening age does not adequately address the increased risk that Māori and Pasifika communities face.

Just one week earlier Bowel Cancer New Zealand presented proposals to the Health Minister -  detailing how parity with Australia – which screens from age 45 – could be fully achieved. 

The proposals also outlined how to ensure equitable screening access for Māori and Pacific communities, who face bowel cancer risk a decade earlier.

On Friday, Producer Evie spoke to Bowel Cancer NZ Chief Executive Peter Huskinson about the changes to screening and what impacts it will have on patients.

Canadian-born billionaire James Grenon and NZME w/ E Tū Union's Michael Wood: 10 March, 2025

Canadian-born billionaire James Grenon and NZME w/ E Tū Union's Michael Wood: 10 March, 2025 Canadian-born billionaire James Grenon and NZME w/ E Tū Union's Michael Wood: 10 March, 2025, 11.6 MB
Mon 10 Mar 2025

Canadian-born billionaire James Grenon, after recently purchasing a 9.3% share of NZME; the media company that owns The Herald, as well as roughly half the country's radio stations, including Newstalk ZB, has announced plans to clear the NZME board and add himself, alongside three other directors, only keeping one of the original board members in their position.

This has resulted in concerns about whether Grenon will add his own political stances into media coverage of NZME platforms, especially in light of his involvement with the alternative media site, The Centrist, that has previously criticised the news coverage of The Herald.

News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Director of E Tū Union; a union representing many journalists at NZME, Michael Wood, about his concerns with this move, and whether he believes there is an ulterior motive regarding these developments.

Firstly, they started off by asking him about what we know about James Grenon.

Local Government Calls for Four Year Terms w/ Chair of the LGNZ Electoral Reform Working Group Nick Smith: 9 March, 2025

Local Government Calls for Four Year Terms w/ Chair of the LGNZ Electoral Reform Working Group Nick Smith: 9 March, 2025 Local Government Calls for Four Year Terms w/ Chair of the LGNZ Electoral Reform Working Group Nick Smith: 9 March, 2025 , 8.09 MB
Mon 10 Mar 2025

The government has announced that it will introduce legislation for a four year parliamentary term - subject to referendum. 

Most parties are largely in favour of a four year term - feeling that it gives more opportunity to develop policy and make changes. 

However, exempt from this bill is Local Government, which also currently operates on a three year term. 

Local Government New Zealand are now also calling for a four year term, saying the legislation provides a strong opportunity for central and local government to become aligned. 

On Friday, Producer Evie spoke to Chair of Local Government NZ’s electoral reform working group, Nick Smith about why they are continuing to call for these changes.

International Desk: The instability of United States foreign policy and what this means for global security w/ University of Otago’s Professor Richard Jackson: 6 March, 2025

International Desk: The instability of United States foreign policy and what this means for global security w/ University of Otago’s Professor Richard Jackson: 6 March, 2025 International Desk: The instability of United States foreign policy and what this means for global security w/ University of Otago’s Professor Richard Jackson: 6 March, 2025, 14.41 MB
Thu 6 Mar 2025

The United States has frequently been in the news cycle recently for the Trump administration’s unstable foreign policy decisions.

This includes their decisions to cut 90% of USAID foreign contracts and to pause military aid to Ukraine following a fiery meeting between the leaders of both countries.

University of Otago’s Professor Richard Jackson describes President Trump’s behaviours as a threat to global order and security.

For International Desk this week, Wire Host Caeden spoke to him about the instability of United States foreign policy and the global ramifications of this.

Future of US Military Aid to Ukraine w/ The University of Auckland's Stephen Hoadley: 6 March, 2025

Future of US Military Aid to Ukraine w/ The University of Auckland's Stephen Hoadley: 6 March, 2025 Future of US Military Aid to Ukraine w/ The University of Auckland's Stephen Hoadley: 6 March, 2025, 11.39 MB
Thu 6 Mar 2025

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following his clash with US President, Donald Trump, has once initiated discussions to move forward a minerals deal with his US counterpart.

During the original discussions, Trump, alongside US Vice President, JD Vance, berated Zelenskyy, which resulted in the Ukrainian President walking out of the Oval Office without signing a minerals deal between the two nations, which the White House says is a precursor to peace talks.

This all comes as the US has abruptly halted US military aid to Ukraine.

News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to the honorary academic and retired Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland, Stephen Hoadley, about this clash, and his opinion that Trump will do a u-turn and start providing military aid to Ukraine, despite the US aligning closer to Russia.

They started off by asking how important this minerals deal is regarding the relationship between the US and Ukraine.

Police and Public Safety w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 1st April, 2025

Police and Public Safety w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 1st April, 2025 Police and Public Safety w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 1st April, 2025, 18.03 MB
Tue 1 Apr 2025

Last week the Green Party’s Tamatha Paul made comments about police presence in Wellington, particularly how increased police activity made some feel unsafe. She also noted some discriminatory and harmful behaviour from police officers towards Wellington’s homeless population. These comments, presented at a panel hosted by the University of Canterbury’s Greens and Peace Action Ōtautahi, were Paul restating feedback she had received from her constituents in Wellington central. 

The response to Tamatha Paul’s comments was extremely critical from all sides of the political spectrum, involving feedback such as “insane” from prime minister Christopher Luxon, “unwise” and “stupid” from Labour leader Chris Hipkins, and “just weird” from ACT leader David Seymour. The comments and their responses lead to a series of articles across all major New Zealand news networks. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire host Castor spoke to MP Tom Rutherford about the substance of Tamatha Paul’s comments and whether the seemingly disproportionate reaction is appropriate.

Dear Science w/ Doctor Cushla McGoverin: 1st April, 2025

Dear Science w/ Doctor Cushla McGoverin: 1st April, 2025 Dear Science w/ Doctor Cushla McGoverin: 1st April, 2025, 32.04 MB
Tue 1 Apr 2025

This week on Dear Science our expert Dr. Cushla McGoverin chatted with us about various April Fools pranks in the world of science, including the 'Sheep Albedo Hypothesis' from here in Aotearoa. 

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

Supermarket duopoly developments, Green MP, Tamatha Paul’s comments about the police, and Te Pāti Māori’s calls for mandatory police body cameras w/ Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp: 31 March, 2025

Supermarket duopoly developments, Green MP, Tamatha Paul’s comments about the police, and Te Pāti Māori’s calls for mandatory police body cameras w/ Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp: 31 March, 2025 Supermarket duopoly developments, Green MP, Tamatha Paul’s comments about the police, and Te Pāti Māori’s calls for mandatory police body cameras w/ Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp: 31 March, 2025, 6.86 MB
Mon 31 Mar 2025

On Sunday, Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, announced plans to combat the supermarket duopoly between Foodstuffs and Woolworths. This could include breaking-up or restructuring the current chains, with Cabinet also announcing a formal request for information, or RFI, into the matter.

For our weekly catch up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel,  spoke to Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp about this announcement, and whether she, and the party, thinks this will be enough to address food accessibility in Aotearoa.

We also discussed the comments made by Green MP, Tamatha Paul, about the police, and whether she believes these comments have become sensationalised.

Finally, we discussed the party’s calls for mandatory police body cameras.

But first, they started off by asking Kemp about how the party are feeling about Nicola Willis’ most recent announcements into the supermarket duopoly.

RMA Reforms and Concerns about Health and Police System w/ The ACT Party’s Simon Court: 31 March, 2025

RMA Reforms and Concerns about Health and Police System w/ The ACT Party’s Simon Court: 31 March, 2025 RMA Reforms and Concerns about Health and Police System w/ The ACT Party’s Simon Court: 31 March, 2025, 7.25 MB
Mon 31 Mar 2025

Last week, the government announced its plans for reforming the Resource Management Act, or the RMA, introducing two acts to replace the current RMA. The plan is to bring the two acts before the select committee next year, passing them just before the next election. 

For our weekly catch up News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about this reform, working with the opposition, and the lack of a Treaty clause.

We also talked about concerns that the health and police system in Aotearoa are failing, following an 11-year old being misidentified as a 20-year old by police and being administered antipsychotic drugs.

But first, we touched on the RMA reform.

International Desk: The Atlantic editor-in-chief was accidentally texted war plans by top US security officials w/ Yale Daily News’ Andre Fa’aoso: 27 March, 2025

International Desk: The Atlantic editor-in-chief was accidentally texted war plans by top US security officials w/ Yale Daily News’ Andre Fa’aoso: 27 March, 2025 International Desk: The Atlantic editor-in-chief was accidentally texted war plans by top US security officials w/ Yale Daily News’ Andre Fa’aoso: 27 March, 2025, 11.23 MB
Thu 27 Mar 2025

Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal group chat with top United States security officials who were discussing military plans for strikes on Yemen.

The group chat discussed operational details, and officials, including the Vice President JD Vance, seemed unaware of Goldberg’s presence. 

Jeffrey Goldberg initially left out some of these sensitive details in his article on the group chat but has released more specific information after the Trump administration downplayed the situation and said no classified information was shared.

For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Andre Fa’aoso from the Yale Daily News about this issue.

Submissions for Auckland Council’s long-term plan, ‘bed tax,’ and discussions around equity in the upcoming election w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 27 March, 2025

Submissions for Auckland Council’s long-term plan, ‘bed tax,’ and discussions around equity in the upcoming election w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 27 March, 2025 Submissions for Auckland Council’s long-term plan, ‘bed tax,’ and discussions around equity in the upcoming election w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 27 March, 2025, 11.4 MB
Thu 27 Mar 2025

Public submissions regarding Auckland Council’s annual plan from 2025/2026 are set to close tomorrow at 11:59pm, with the plan set to take place from the 1st of July.

These submissions give the public the opportunity to provide feedback on proposals from the coming year.

News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about this, and the council’s ‘bed tax’.

They also spoke about the recent discussions regarding ensuring fair and equal representation in the upcoming 2025 local election.

NZ First’s “war on woke”, proposed RMA reforms, and New Zealand’s support for Palestine w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 March, 2025

NZ First’s “war on woke”, proposed RMA reforms, and New Zealand’s support for Palestine w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 March, 2025 NZ First’s “war on woke”, proposed RMA reforms, and New Zealand’s support for Palestine w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 27 March, 2025, 8.99 MB
Thu 27 Mar 2025

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters gave a “State of the Nation” speech last weekend where he strongly criticised Labour and announced his party was declaring a “war on woke.”

The government has announced a new replacement for the Resource Management Act, looking to pass it before the next election.

And Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Parker has criticised the government for not condemning Israel in the context of recent military action and the blocking of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics. 

The Green Desk: The Street Art Bike Challenge w/ Brent Bielby: 26 March, 2025

The Green Desk: The Street Art Bike Challenge w/ Brent Bielby: 26 March, 2025 The Green Desk: The Street Art Bike Challenge w/ Brent Bielby: 26 March, 2025, 8.03 MB
Wed 26 Mar 2025

Ever wondered what it would be like to bike in an Art Gallery? Well now you can, for the city is your gallery. In collaboration with EcoFest 2025 and various New Zealand artists, Bike Hubs have set up a Street Art Bike Challenge. Now, anyone can ride around the city, discover amazing works of art and win great prizes. 

This week, Green Desk Producer Liam speaks to Brent Bielby, manager of EcoMatters’ Bike Hubs, a community project aimed at encouraging more people to take up cycling. He explains the goal behind the challenge, as well as how cycling can contribute to a healthy lifestyle and provide a source of freedom and fun.  

You can take part in this challenge yourself. All you need to do is take out your bike, pedal over to the artworks, and upload a photo of you and your bike. The challenge will run until the 22nd of April, and you can find a map of all the locations and trails on the EcoMatters website.

Get Action! Protecting Kāwhia Harbour w/ John Forbes from Te Taiao o Kawhia Moana: 26 March, 2025

Get Action! Protecting Kāwhia Harbour w/ John Forbes from Te Taiao o Kawhia Moana: 26 March, 2025 Get Action! Protecting Kāwhia Harbour w/ John Forbes from Te Taiao o Kawhia Moana: 26 March, 2025, 22.41 MB
Wed 26 Mar 2025

A petition was launched by Te Taiao o Kawhia Moana, a group dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Kāwhia harbour, calling on the Ōtorohanga District Council to remove vehicle access from vulnerable areas of the inner harbour and to Support the development of new alternative access infrastructure.

The group says that local taonga species and ecosystems are being put at risk by current vehicle access and that The proposed Ocean Beach access way would provide a sustainable alternative that balances community access needs with environmental protection.

For this week’s Gert Action! Oto spoke to John Forbes, founding Chair of Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana, to discuss the petition and the importance of protecting the harbour.

If you're interested in signing this petition, you can find it here:

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez March: 26 March, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez March: 26 March, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez March: 26 March, 2025, 25.71 MB
Wed 26 Mar 2025

Just two days ago, the government announced a complete overhaul of the Resource Management Act. 

The RMA as it is would be dismantled and then split into two acts; a planning act regulating the use and development of land, and a Natural Environment Act focusing on the use and protection of land, air, water and other natural resources.

Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court said that the reforms were intended to streamline development more efficiently while also protecting the environment.

The week before, the Greens issued a call for the compassionate release of 77-year old inmate Dean Wickliffe, who is currently on a hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility after being arrested for being made houseless in violation of his probation conditions.

And Green Party Co-Leader Chloe Swarbrick made a renewed call to the government calling on them to support a members bill of hers that would sanction Israel for their occupation of the Palestinian territories.

For their weekly catchup, Oto spoke to the Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez March for the party’s take on all of these issues.