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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.

The Wire w/ Oto: 18 September, 2024

The Wire w/ Oto: 18 September, 2024 The Wire w/ Oto: 18 September, 2024, 110.95 MB
Wed 18 Sep 2024

For our regular catch-up, Oto spoke to the Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez-March about the government’s recently proposed changes to the Employment relations act, the Waitangi Tribunal’s findings regarding the marine and coastal area act and the release of a draft list of 35 minerals considered essential to New Zealand’s economy.

He spoke to Marama Muru-Lanning from the University of Auckland, to discuss the idea of establishing Maori-led hospitals.

And he spoke to Robert G. Patman from the University of Otago to discuss New Zealand’s ambiguous stance on the war in Gaza, and the steps we should take to clarify our position.

Sasha spoke to Associate Professor Mark Thomas of Molecular Medicine and Pathology from the University of Auckland about the emerging MPOX vaccine.

He also spoke to associate professor Laslzo Sajtos at the University of Business School about the recent implementation of facial recognition technology in Woolworths stores.

Māori Hospitals w/ Associate Professor of Social Sciences at the University of Auckland Marama Muru-Lanning 18th September, 2024

Māori Hospitals w/ Associate Professor of Social Sciences at the University of Auckland Marama Muru-Lanning 18th September, 2024 Māori Hospitals w/ Associate Professor of Social Sciences at the University of Auckland Marama Muru-Lanning 18th September, 2024, 30.42 MB
Wed 18 Sep 2024

Three years ago, the kaumatua hauora research team from the James Henare research centre from the university of Auckland, met with a number of Kaumātua and elderly Māori from the Waikato region to discuss the experiences of Kaumātua in healthcare facilities across Aotearoa.

The study found that Kaumatua largely had unpleasant experiences in healthcare facilities, that they felt misunderstood by Pākeha healthcare professionals, were placed in mixed gender wards and often times left neglected. 

On top pressing concerns regarding the health disparities between Māori and non-Māori, the study prompted discussions about opening Māori led hospitals, which would be hollistic centres run by Iwi and Māori organisations operating with a kaupapa Māori approach.

Oto spoke to Associate Professor of Social Sciences at the University of Auckland Marama Muru-Lanning to discuss the concept of Maori hospitals and the steps needed to establish them.

The Employment Relations Act, Waitangi Tribunal and Draft Minerals List w/ the Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez-March: 18 September, 2024

The Employment Relations Act, Waitangi Tribunal and Draft Minerals List w/ the Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez-March: 18 September, 2024 The Employment Relations Act, Waitangi Tribunal and Draft Minerals List w/ the Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez-March: 18 September, 2024, 25.82 MB
Wed 18 Sep 2024

The government recently announced a number of amendments to the employment relations act which would clarify whether a worker was legally considered to be an employee or a contractor. 

The amendments included a test with four added criteria, such as a written agreement with the worker specifying they were an independent contractor and that the business did not restrict the worker from working for other businesses and requiring them to take on additional tasks and engagements among other criteria.

If a worker met all of the criteria specified in the act, they would be considered as a contractor and wouldn’t be able to challenge their employment status through the courts. 

While Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said that the changes would provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses, union members and labour rights advocates have criticised the move, saying that it would allow companies to strip away the rights of workers to boost profit margins.

For their weekly catchup, Oto spoke to the Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez-March to discuss the recent changes to the Employment Relations Act and the party’s take on it.

They also had a korero about the Waitangi tribunal’s findings into the recent changes to the Marine and Coastal Areas act, as well as the recently released draft list of 35 minerals considered essential to New Zealand’s economy.

Pharmac’s funding of Enhertu for Breast Cancer Patients w/ New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation CEO, Ah-Leen Rayner

Pharmac’s funding of Enhertu for Breast Cancer Patients w/ New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation CEO, Ah-Leen Rayner Pharmac’s funding of Enhertu for Breast Cancer Patients w/ New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation CEO, Ah-Leen Rayner, 15.36 MB
Tue 17 Sep 2024

On Friday the 13th September, Pharmac opened consultation for funding of the medication, Enhertu, for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

This comes following the $604 million funding boost allocated to Pharmac to fund and widen access to various medicines. 

Trials have shown that the drug can reduce risks of breast cancer patients death by 27%.

Producer Josef spoke to the Chief Executive of Breast Cancer New Zealand, Ah-Leen Rayner, about the drug's funding, and what more can be done for breast cancer patients.

Proposed changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act w/ the National Party’s Katie Nimon: 17th September, 2024

Proposed changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act w the National Party’s Katie Nimon - 17th September, 2024.mp3 mp3, 10.63 MB
Tue 17 Sep 2024

The government recently announced proposed changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act, which, among other changes, would require iwi to prove continuous and uninterrupted occupation of a coastal area since 1840 to make a claim. The proposed changes were reviewed by the Waitangi Tribunal, and the resulting report was released yesterday. In their weekly catchup, Wire host Castor asked Katie Nimon about the government’s reaction to criticisms in the report.

They also asked about the government’s policies on Māori wards. Last year the National Party campaigned on putting Māori wards to referendums, with the goal of ‘restoring democracy’. Since asking councils to vote on the issue, all but two of Aotearoa’s local councils have voted to retain their wards. Local government minister Simeon Brown has expressed some discontent at this response, implying that the government may push for binding referendums. 

Wire host Castor spoke to National’s Katie Nimon about these issues in their weekly catchup, starting with the Marine and Coastal Area Act.

The Wire w/ Castor: 17th September, 2024

The Wire w/ Castor: 17th September, 2024 The Wire w/ Castor: 17th September, 2024, 113.57 MB
Tue 17 Sep 2024

This week on the Tuesday Wire... 

For Dear Science, our expert Professor Allan Blackman chatted with us about the ig Nobel Science prizes.

In our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire host Castor spoke to MP Katie Nimon about the Waitangi Tribunal report on the government’s proposed changes to the Marine and Coastal Areas Act and about Māori wards. 

They also spoke to Senior Lecturer of Urban Planning, Dr. Timothy Welch, about Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposed second harbour bridge. 

And on the Green Desk, Jack Marshall spoke to freshwater scientist, Ian Kusabs, about monitoring kōura, New Zealand’s freshwater crayfish. 

And producer Josef spoke to CEO of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, Ah-Leen Rayner, about Pharmac’s proposal to fund Enhertu for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer.

Wayne Brown’s Second Harbour Bridge Proposal w/ Senior Lecturer of Urban Planning, Dr. Timothy Welch: 17th September, 2024

Wayne Brown’s Second Harbour Bridge Proposal w/ Senior Lecturer of Urban Planning, Dr. Timothy Welch: 17th September, 2024 Timothy Welch: 17th September, 2024, 6.98 MB
Tue 17 Sep 2024

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown recently proposed a second bridge across the Auckland harbour, which would go from Point Chevalier to Kauri Point on the North Shore. The new project would be aimed at reducing congestion, however, many are sceptical that it would have any impact due to the lack of existing infrastructure.

Wire host Castor spoke to senior lecturer of urban planning, Dr. Timothy Welch, about the proposal and potential issues with congestion and transport infrastructure.

Needs not Race Based Government Agency's Potential Impacts on Māori w/ The Public Service Association's Janice Panoho: 16 September, 2024

Needs not Race Based Government Agency's Potential Impacts on Māori w/ The Public Service Association's Janice Panoho: 16 September, 2024 Needs not Race Based Government Agency's Potential Impacts on Māori w/ The Public Service Association's Janice Panoho: 16 September, 2024, 15.52 MB
Mon 16 Sep 2024

The Public Service Association says that the ‘needs not race’ based directive to government agencies is putting all that progress that has been made to improve the lives of Māori at risk. 

With the government directing all government agencies that public services must be delivered by need and not race disregards the systemic disadvantages experienced by Māori and Pasifika. 

The PSA’s Janice Panoho says that the move will set back Māori for generations at a time when they remain one of the most disadvantaged groups in Aotearoa. 

Producer Evie spoke to Panoho about these concerns and what impacts she believes this directive may have. 

The Wire w/ Joel: 16 September, 2024

The Wire w/ Joel: 16 September, 2024 The Wire w/ Joel: 16 September, 2024, 104.9 MB
Mon 16 Sep 2024

This week on the Wire...

For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Mariameno Kapa-Kingi about updates regarding the Treaty Principles Bill, as well as Te Pāti Māori MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipa-Clarke, being a recipient of the One Young World Politician of the year award.

For our weekly catch up, Producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about a government directive to create a public service that delivers on ‘need not race’, and the draft treaty principals bill being tabled at cabinet for the first time.

Producer Evie also spoke to the Public Service Association’s Janice Panoho about what the government has labelled ‘a colourblind public service’, and some of the concerns that come with us.

Host Joel spoke to Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Caroline Shaw, regarding a new study showing that ‘decarbonising’ transport would have a signficant impact on health; mental and physical.

Producer Evie spoke to the University of Auckland’s Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law Treasa Dunworth about her request for an inquiry to be made into whether New Zealand is sharing intelligence to aid Israel in its war on Gaza.

And finally, Host Joel spoke to the National Secretary for Retail and Finance at First Union, Rudd Hughes, about the Woolworths strikes that took place last week, with extra walkouts being planned for the 17th of September.

Whakarongo mai!

Inquiry into NZ's Role in sharing intelligence that could help Israel in the Gaza conflict w/ Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland Treasa Dunworth: 16 September, 2024

Inquiry into NZ's Role in sharing intelligence that could help Israel in the Gaza conflict w/ Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland Treasa Dunworth: 16 September, 2024 Inquiry into NZ's Role in sharing intelligence that could help Israel in the Gaza conflict w/ Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland Treasa Dunworth: 16 September, 2024, 21.73 MB
Mon 16 Sep 2024

A group of three lawyers is calling for a first-of-its-kind inquiry into whether New Zealand spy agencies are helping Israel's war in Gaza. 

In a letter to the inspector-general of intelligence and security (IGIS) on Thursday, they said the country was in danger of aiding international crimes. 

The request has four parts, covering previous investigations that have been undertaken by the watchdog, along with Aotearoa’s connections to countries like the US and UK who have been proven to aid Israel. 

Producer Evie spoke to Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, Treasa Dunworth, one of three lawyers pushing for this inquiry about what triggered these concerns, and how the inquiry would be undertaken.

Council body reforms and the state of homelessness in Auckland w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 July, 2025

Council body reforms and the state of homelessness in Auckland w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 July, 2025 Council body reforms and the state of homelessness in Auckland w/ Councillor Shane Henderson: 10 July, 2025, 19.27 MB
Thu 10 Jul 2025

This month, a number of council body reforms have come into effect in the Auckland Council, fulfilling Mayor Wayne Brown’s promise to address issues and implement community feedback into the council’s format.

The three new divisions in the Auckland Council to improve organisation include the Auckland Urban Development Office, the  Property Department, and an Economic Development Office, each of which are intended to make decision making more effective and accessible to the public.

As well, with the persisting cold temperatures and rainy weather hitting Auckland this Winter, I wanted to discuss the topic of homelessness in Auckland’s city centre, and to what extent the council is working to support those rough sleeping in the CBD

Phase Two of The Covid-19 Inquiry and Advisory Group Recommendations on Climate Adaptation Legislation w/ Labour’s Arena Williams: 10 July, 2025

Phase Two of The Covid-19 Inquiry and Advisory Group Recommendations on Climate Adaptation Legislation w/ Labour’s Arena Williams: 10 July, 2025 Phase Two of The Covid-19 Inquiry and Advisory Group Recommendations on Climate Adaptation Legislation w/ Labour’s Arena Williams: 10 July, 2025, 15.27 MB
Thu 10 Jul 2025

Public hearings as part of phase two of the Royal Commission into COVID-19 took place in Auckland this week.

The second phase of the inquiry has a stronger focus on lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and the impact of the Covid-19 response on business and the economy.

And yesterday, an independent reference group set up by the Ministry of Environment shared their recommendations for climate adaptation legislation.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Arena Williams about both of these topics.

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party: 9 July, 2025

Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party: 9 July, 2025 Weekly Catchup w/ The Green Party: 9 July, 2025, 19.59 MB
Wed 9 Jul 2025

Recently, a study was conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton which uncovered a shift in the circulation of the Southern Ocean.

The study showed that the shift would draw up more salt water from the deep ocean, subsequently accelerating the loss of ice in the Antarctic and leading to an increase of sea levels and global heating.

The week before, the government allowed the terrorist designation given to the far-right ‘Proud Boys’ group to expire, effectively decriminalising the act of funding or openly supporting the group here in Aotearoa.

And, just yesterday Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed a number of changes to Family Boost which she said would help families with the cost of living.

For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez March to get the party’s take on all of these issues.

Get Action! Restore The Southerner Train w/ Dave Macpherson - Save our Trains Southern: 9 July, 2025

Get Action! Restore The Southerner Train w/ Dave Macpherson - Save our Trains Southern: 9 July, 2025 Get Action! Restore The Southerner Train w/ Dave Macpherson - Save our Trains Southern: 9 July, 2025, 17.86 MB
Wed 9 Jul 2025

The Southerner was a passenger express train in the South Island running between Christchurch and Invercargill from 1970 to 2002.

The train was eventually closed due a decline in passenger numbers and subsidies, although it was briefly revived in May this year for four days as part of a tourist experience.

Recently, a group of campaigners from Save our Trains launched a petition calling on the government to restore the Southerner train route as a more accessible form of travel for South Islanders.

Wednesday Wire Host Oto spoke with Dave Macpherson from Save Our Train - Southern, to discuss his petition and why the Southerner should be restored.

The Regulatory Standards Bill in Select Committee w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 8th July, 2025

The Regulatory Standards Bill in Select Committee w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 8th July, 2025 The Regulatory Standards Bill in Select Committee w/ the National Party’s Tom Rutherford: 8th July, 2025, 13.59 MB
Tue 8 Jul 2025

Hearings on the regulatory standards bill are currently underway, with around 23,000 total submissions both written and oral. Early analysis of the submissions estimated 88% percent are in opposition, while only 0.3% are in support. 

The bill has been pushed by Minister for Regulation and ACT Party leader David Seymour, who says it should support the government to reduce regulation and ensure the protection of individual rights and private property. The bill has been criticised for not including clauses around Te Tiriti o Waitangi or environmental protections. It has also been criticised for potentially undemocratic elements, placing large amounts of control in the hands of the unelected Ministry for Regulation.

In our weekly catch-up with the National party, Wire host Castor asked Tom Rutherford about the regulatory standards bill in light of the select committee hearings and new criticisms.

Dear Science w/ Daniel Thomas: 8th July, 2025

Dear Science w/ Daniel Thomas: 8th July, 2025 Dear Science w/ Daniel Thomas: 8th July, 2025, 15.73 MB
Tue 8 Jul 2025

This week on Dear Science, our expert, Daniel Thomas chatted with us about rice arriving in the Pacific, Aotearoa's native forests sinking carbon, and orcas using seaweed to groom themselves. 

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

Government's expectations for City and Regional, Youth Parliament w/ the ACT Party's Cameron Luxton: 7 July, 2025

Government's expectations for City and Regional, Youth Parliament w/ the ACT Party's Cameron Luxton: 7 July, 2025 Government's expectations for City and Regional, Youth Parliament w/ the ACT Party's Cameron Luxton: 7 July, 2025, 29.28 MB
Mon 7 Jul 2025

Recently, the government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mayors of Auckland, Otago, and Western Bay of Plenty Councils over the government’s expectations of City and Regional Deals. These deals aim to tighten the partnership between central and local governments.

For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to MP Cameron Luxton about what to expect heading forward regarding the relationship between local, regional, and central government.

They also discussed last week's Youth Parliament.

Youth Parliament provides the opportunity for 143 rangatahi aged 16-to-24 as Youth MPs, representing MPs across the political spectrum, and Youth Press Gallery members, to understand the country’s political processes, understand how government works, and replicate the Parliamentary process.

Youth MPs had previously accused event organisers of ‘censoring’ their speeches. This follows the MPs being asked to remove elements of their speeches that were critical of government policies, such as the Treaty Principles Bill and pay equity.

However, The Ministry of Youth Development has come out saying the way they communicated their wishes with Youth MPs could have been clearer and more concise. The general manager of the Ministry, John Robertson, says reviewing speeches and suggesting changes was a part of the process, but these recommendations are not enforced.

They also spoke to Luxton about these accusations, and whether they are tantamount to censorship.

Finally, they discussed calls by over half of the Youth MPs represented in this year's Youth Parliament, from across the political spectrum, renewing calls for the voting age to be lowered, to allow 16-to-17-year-olds the right to vote.

5 ACT Youth MPs, including the Youth MP representing Cameron Luxton, Fletcher Brown, had signed a letter calling for the voting age to be reduced.

This follows the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that found the current voting age is unjustified age discrimination and goes against the Human Rights Act 1993.

They also discussed these renewed calls to lower the voting age.

Censorship of Youth MPs in Parliament and new changes coming into effect July 1 including to Kiwisaver scheme and benefits w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 July, 2025

Censorship of Youth MPs in Parliament and new changes coming into effect July 1 including to Kiwisaver scheme and benefits w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 July, 2025 Censorship of Youth MPs in Parliament and new changes coming into effect July 1 including to Kiwisaver scheme and benefits w/ Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni: 3 July, 2025, 22.32 MB
Thu 3 Jul 2025

As the youth parliament is set to take place this week, a number of youth MPs have spoken out claiming they have been asked to change or remove elements of their speeches which criticise certain political figures or current topics like environmental action, pay equity and the treaty principles bill. 

Youth Organisation Gen Z Aotearoa founder Nate Wilbourne was asked to edit parts of his speech calling out Ministers Shane Jones, Tama Potaka and Penny Simmonds on their role in environmental destruction. 
He said “When your voices are edited to remove criticism, when ministers are shielded from being named, when we're told that our lived experiences are too political, that is not neutrality – that is protection of the status quo.”

As well this week, on July 1st a number of changes came into effect including the government’s Kiwisaver contributions and eligibility, the rate in payments for sole parents and through ACC, Healthy Homes standards, and procedures for receiving the job seeker benefit. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Sara asked Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics

International Desk: The Future of International Order w/ Britain Palestine Project's Dr Brian Brivati: 3 July, 2025

International Desk: The Future of International Order w/ Britain Palestine Project's Dr Brian Brivati: 3 July, 2025 International Desk: The Future of International Order w/ Britain Palestine Project's Dr Brian Brivati: 3 July, 2025, 21.24 MB
Thu 3 Jul 2025

Following Israel and the US’ large-scale attacks on Iran, and Israel’s continued war on Gaza, this has raised the question on the future of international order.

News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to the Executive Director of the Britain Palestine Project, Dr Brian Brivati, about this turning point in international order, and what we should expect heading forward.

On the proposal to scrap regional councils & the government’s request to increase developments around key CRL stations to up to 15 stories w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 3 July, 2025

On the proposal to scrap regional councils & the government’s request to increase developments around key CRL stations to up to 15 stories w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 3 July, 2025 On the proposal to scrap regional councils & the government’s request to increase developments around key CRL stations to up to 15 stories w/ Councillor Julie Fairey: 3 July, 2025, 35.23 MB
Thu 3 Jul 2025

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has suggested to the local government forum that regional councils may be abolished, stating that 
"After the upcoming changes to the Resource Management Act, I doubt that there's going to be a compelling case for regional government to continue to exist.“

Regional councils across Aotearoa are responsible for matters relating to natural resource management, flood control, and biosecurity.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said effectiveness between different councils is varied, and that councils generate too much bureaucracy and are “too focussed on vanity projects”.

As well, in order to make the most of local and central investment into Auckland’s growing city, the government is asking Auckland Council to increase the housing development allowance around key Central Rail Link stations in the lead up to the project’s completion.

Seeking to amend the resource management act, the government hopes to increase housing height and density around Mount Albert and Baldwin Avenue stations, allowing upzoning  of ten stories around these areas, in addition to allowing upzoning of fifteen stories around Maungawhau, Morningside and Kingsland.

Producer Sara spoke with Councillor Julie Fairey about both of these topics, starting with the proposal to scrap regional councils.