As a part of their energy policy, the current national-led government has reopened the door to offshore oil and gas exploration and mining after it was banned under the previous government. Last week, we saw reports of the first bid under the scheme, a sign of further oil and gas projects.
Alongside this the government has put through legislation increasing the maximum amount energy companies can be fined by three times, they say, to increase accountability.
Finally, rumours swirl that the central government is about to step in to override the rezoning plan crafted by the Auckland Council once again, as the groups protest the plan enabling higher-rise buildings around transport hubs.
For this week's Weekly Catch-up with the Green Party, Wire Producer Manny spoke to MP Recardo Menendez March about the expansion of fines on energy companies and the central government's intervention in Auckland Council's zoning plans. But first we discussed the first bid in offshore oil and gas.
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has shed light on what scientific experts have been saying for years — that water infrastructure in New Zealand is out of date and incapable of handling the growing effect of climate challenges without deeper investment.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.
On the eve of a tour/EP release combo, Jock Nowell-Usticke a.k.a. BAYNK drops by to talk Kanye West's work ethic, stolen laptops and phonecalls from Mark Kneebone.
Producer, beatmaker, rapper and singer Bobandii comes up to the studio to drop a couple of fire tracks and tell us about his new album. Thanks NZ On Air Music!!
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