Chris discusses the recent report from Dr. Rose Crossin at the Helen Clark Foundation which finds that the government spends 1.4% of it's annual 'drug budget' goes towards harm reduction. The report also finds that Kiwis want a greater portion of funding allocated to community-focused health-based appraoches. Also, a Nelson man has been sentenced for growing cannabis and supplying 'green fairies'. And, the Green Party have a new platform seeking the public's opinion on cannabis reform in light of five years passing since the referendum on the Cannabis Legislation and Control Bill. Thanks to The Hemp Store!
Mat makes a delicious mānuka-smoked mint julep this week, tune in to catch the recipe and make this refresher at home. Thanks to our friends at Thomson Whiskey.
Charlotte Ryan checks in with 95bFM correspondent Molly, who ventured down to Ōtautahi to catch all the action at the 2025 APRA Silver Scroll Awards Kaitito Kaiaka at the Isaac Theatre Royal. Whakarongo mai nei to hear from the Silver Scroll finalists on the red carpet and some highlights from the night's proceedings.
Thousands of households across the country are currently in rates arrears, struggling to pay their rates for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Auckland Council's head of rates, valuations and data management, Rhonwen Heath, said 6.6 percent of rates, or 42,902 households were outstanding at the start of the 2025/2026 year.
As cost of living pressures continue to grow on households, with rising food, electricity and rents, Thursday Wire Producer Sanat wanted to chat to Auckland Councilor Shane Henderson about how Auckland Council plays a role in making life more affordable for everyday Aucklanders.
They also had a discussion about the role of fireworks in our community, with major festivals like Diwali prompting some communities to express concern about the disruption that fireworks are causing to their families, animals and the natural environment.
Thousands of households across the country are currently in rates arrears, struggling to pay their rates for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Auckland Council's head of rates, valuations and data management, Rhonwen Heath, said 6.6 percent of rates, or 42,902 households were outstanding at the start of the 2025/2026 year.
As cost of living pressures continue to grow on households, with rising food, electricity and rents, Thursday Wire Producer Sanat wanted to chat to Auckland Councilor Shane Henderson about how Auckland Council plays a role in making life more affordable for everyday Aucklanders.
They also had a discussion about the role of fireworks in our community, with major festivals like Diwali prompting some communities to express concern about the disruption that fireworks are causing to their families, animals and the natural environment.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with Willow-Jean Prime about Labour’s capital gains tax policy and the defunding of Te Karere and The Hui.
For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Professor Amin Saikal, Middle East Analyst at Australian National University, on Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti and the responsibility of Israel for the leadership vacuum in Gaza and the West Bank.
Producer Jasmine spoke to Dr. Helen Murray, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Brain Injury & Neurodegeneration Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, on the recommendation to delay our tamariki starting contact sports until their early teens to reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases later in life.
Producer Sanat spoke to councillor Shane Henderson about people who are struggling to pay their rates, and regulations around fireworks.
He also spoke to AUT’s Professor of Maori Philosophy of Education Georgina Stuart on the new changes to New Zealand’s Science Curriculum.
International research to understand the relationship between degenerative brain diseases and head knocks that occur in contact sports continues to develop, with New Zealand researchers calling for a delay for children’s involvement in contact sports until they are older.
Risk factors are not exclusive to concussions, or to professional players. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Dr. Helen Murray, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Brain Injury & Neurodegeneration Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, about the recommendation to delay contact sports to reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases later in life.
A breezy, music-filled show from Thursday host Emma Gleason, with new tracks from Georgia Knight, old favourites from The Saints (playing at the Powerstation this Friday, presented by 95bFM) and New Order, songs from Aotearoa Alternative Awards finalists Half/Angel and Geneva AM, plus requests from some lovely listeners.
Lara Greaves joins Rosetta and Milly for a kōrero about whats happening in the world of politics this week - in particular, Labour's leaked Capital Gains Tax Policy and how parties manage leaks! Whakarongo mai nei!