bCasts

Changes were recently announced to the Fast Track Approvals Bill - most notably removing the controversial ministerial override that would allow ministers to go past expert advice. These changes follow public protests and submissions regarding the bill, one of this government’s most discussed. Wire host Castor spoke to Katie Nimon about the changes to the bill, and some of the criticisms that remain.

We also spoke about the potential amendment of Section 58 of the Marine and Coastal Area Act. The amendment would require Māori to prove continuous, uninterrupted occupation of a coastal area in order to make a claim to it. The Waitangi Tribunal recently filed an urgent claim to discuss the amendment, particularly criticised for its impact on coastal iwi with fewer land claims. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire host Castor asked MP Katie Nimon about each of these issues, starting off with changes to the Fast Track Approvals Bill. 

Last week, the New Zealand Defence Force, the NZDF, awarded a contract to defence company BAE Systems, to upgrade its VBS4 whole-earth virtual desktop trainer.

BAE Systems has previously been found guilty of conspiring to defraud the United States and making false statements about its compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The British company is currently under investigation in India for criminal conspiracy in the procurement and licensing of advanced jet trainers.

Furthermore, BAE Systems has been the subject of criticism for its production of weapons components sold to Israel for its war in Gaza.

The contract has drawn criticism from activist groups in New Zealand who say that the Defence Force should have more established standards regarding which companies it chooses to award contracts to.

Producer Josef spoke to a representative from Peace Action Wellington, Valerie Morse, about the contract, and what it means in the wider context of the morality of the NZDF’s operations.

Oto and Jaycee interviewed Tāmaki Makaurau RnB/Hip-Hop artist Ray Leslie, of Filipino origin, to talk about her new E.P and short film "Fantasy and Future". 

They also talked to fashion designer Zee (@qqpassionfruitgreentea) of Cambodian origin about her creative process and experiences both as a fashion designer and model.

Molly guest hosts Breakky on a sunny Rāhina morning!

We were joined by Penelope Noir for the Fashun check-in - listen back to her take on Indie Sleaze. Jenna from Time Out talks The Mermaid Chronicles by Megan Dunn on Loose Reads. Listen back for all the goss and a bunch of excellent music.