Moa Point failure, Salvation Army State of the Nation report, and a Māori seats referendum? w/ National MP Ryan Hamilton: 17 February 2026

In Wellington, failure at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has led to millions of liters of wastewater being sent into the Cook Strait. 

The incident has shed light on what scientific experts have been saying for years — that water infrastructure in New Zealand is out of date and incapable of handling the growing effect of climate challenges without deeper investment.

The Salvation Army released their State of the Nation report which has found an increase in issues across the justice system, child welfare, and poverty contributing to declining social equality in Aotearoa.

As well, NZ First leader Winston Peters is campaigning on a referendum on Māori seats in New Zealand.

Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with Moa Point.