In our weekly interview with National’s James Meager, wire host Castor talked about the government’s mortgage tax deduction policy and fuel excise tax. The mortgage tax reduction policy allows landlords to claim tax deductions on interest from mortgages on their properties.
Notably, these tax deductions can increase to up to 100% of the mortgage interest rate, and will not apply to those who own one home.
Additionally, a week before this interview, Transport Minister Simeon Brown unveiled the government’s transport policy. While not technically introducing a fuel tax, the government does plan to increase the excise tax on fuel, which in practical terms does mean you will be taxed more on the fuel you buy. The policy has been met with controversy, especially given promises during the election campaign to not introduce a fuel tax. Castor discussed this issue with James Meager and how the decision may be seen as hypocritical.
Bike Auckland is an organisation that promotes and supports cyclists across Auckland with various events and campaigns. The organisation also looks at road usage from a climate standpoint, promoting cycling as a low emission alternative to driving.
Last week the government unveiled its new transport policy, which included minimal support for cyclists or the environment. Wire host Castor spoke to chair of Bike Auckland Karen Hormann about both the organisation and the policy announcement.
For Dear Science this week, Dr Cushla McGoverin chatted about a weird use for barnacles, sleep improving vaccination effectiveness, and collagen in the human body.
Wire host Castor spoke to National’s James Meager about the mortgage tax deductions policy and increases to the fuel excise tax.
He also spoke to Bike Auckland’s chair Karen Hormann about the organisation and National’s new transport policy.
Producer Sofia spoke to Group Manager for Conservation Advocacy at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie, about the government’s proposed Fast Track Approvals Bill.
She also spoke to Public Service Association Delegate and Mental Health Support Worker, Christie Cox, about an open letter from care and support workers to Te Whatu Ora on International Women’s Day last week.
A new report from World Vision looking at food prices in 67 countries has found the average cost of basic food items in Aotearoa increased by 56% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This is compared to a 29% decrease in cost in Australia.
Jessica spoke to World Vision New Zealand’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, about these findings.
They started off the interview by discussing what basic food items the report looked at.
Freddie Mckay - Bag Over Shoulder Freddie Mckay + Jah Apostles band - Bag Over Shoulder (Dub) groundsound + KAT7 - Put on an Iron Shirt Luca Lozano - Lozano In Dub Dayzero - Region Ancient Champion - The Retrofuturists Are Back groundsound - Sonic Uprising groundsound - Equal Righters Kaval - Bagarre Riddim HiGHDiKLUMP - Instant Kopi Manuka Honey + Florentino - Miniskirt Entrañas + Ene Ese - Huiracchuro Mortal - Moroccan Dip 10 40 - Three Rings Futurenauts - We Are The Futurenauts (Johnny Aux Remix) Shkema - Ispanija (Roe Deers Remix) Heinrich Dressel - Eden Olympia The Light Brigade - Human Remains Al Wootton - Tone Circle Product Toss - Taargüs Dayzero - Exit Sign Locust - Sea Tides Mortal - Minus One Open Yellow Circle - Spiral Jetty Plebeian - Pearl Al Wootton - Hechicera The Manor - Oh Lord Dub christoph el truento - Moe Mai Rā The Granville Williams Orchestra - Honky Tonk Mohammad Syfkhan - A Thousand And One Nights Maral - hope's return Saint Mercury - where i began Ancient Champion - Crank Magnetism Raymond Richards - Monument Valley Mark Peters - Guitar Fumes, Car Films Dad Of The Year - Down The Rabbit Hole
Welcome back to Universal Harmony. This week, we're keeping things classic with a selection of tunes that just feel right. Tune in, unwind, and let the music speak for itself.
Hosted by PHILLIEE, featuring the Sound of Sydney courtesy of our man Carlos Avilés.
~ Universal Harmony ~
Oozing a grateful ora, massaging the creative mind.
Playlist
OFlynn - Spyglass
Moiré - Casual
Norm Talley - Exodus (Beatdown Brothers Remix)
Xinobi - Skateboarding
Ninetoes - Finder
Moiré - Secret Window
Yoofee - Lgds
Lee Hazlewood - My Autumn's Done Come
Tornado Wallace - Open Door (Born Inna Tent Mix)
Lonely C & Baby Prince - 1979 (Edit)
Kelis - Milkshake (FYI Chris Llactoste Intolerant Flip)
Kris is joined by Josh Aoraki to talk about India's plan for a first crewed space expedition, robots in space, slashing to NASA's funding, and the space race between China and the USA.
Aneeka takes care of Breakfast for you this morning! We listen to a chat that Nicholas Lindstrom had with Jagari from W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend To Cause Havoc) about their recent work, and upcoming show in Auckland on Wednesday 13 March at the Hollywood Avondale. Suri is in to review The Extinction of Irena Rey, a novel from Jennifer Croft on Loose Reads. Whakarongo mai nei!
We listen to a chat that Nicholas Lindstrom had with Jagari from W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend To Cause Havoc) about their recent work, and upcoming show in Auckland on Wednesday 13 March at the Hollywood Avondale.
95bFM 
