On Sunday, Taliban fighters took control of Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and brought a very quick and abrupt end to the Afghan Government and the United State's 20 year relationship with the country.
News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston talked to Leon Goldsmith, University of Otago Professor in Comparative Middle Eastern Politics, about the latest news on the Taliban take over in Afghanistan. They discuss, why the take over happened so much faster than anticipated, how the New Zealand government is working to get its residents out of Afghanistan and how the situation may impact international relations for New Zealand and power states such as the US and China.
Earlier in the week West Tamaki experienced floods that caused road closures, extensive damage to many properties, and forced some residents to evacuate their homes. NIWA recorded the second wettest day on record for the area with rainfall of 201mm in just 14 hours and a staggering 149 percent of August’s normal monthly rainfall in just one day. On the Wire this Wednesday Frances Wright spoke briefly with Rachel Kelleher, Deputy Controller for Auckland Emergency Management about what the response has been like so far and what it will look like going forward and also to meteorologist Ben Noll from NIWA about the science behind the floods.
This week on the show, Jessica Hopkins spoke to Terry Bellamak of Abortion Law Reform New Zealand about extreme anti-abortion laws that have come into affect in Texas in the United States.
She also talked to Debbie Sorenson from Pasifika Futures about the impact of the delta outbreak on Pasifika people, particularly the Samoan community, and the recent announcement of government funding to support Pacific health and vaccination services.
Louis Macalister interviews SAFE’s Will Applebe and a Greyhound Trainer, Craig Roberts about the recent review of the Greyhound racing industry.
Lastly, he speaks to Scott Hindman, a resident and member of Bethells Emergency Response Group about the impact of last weeks flooding on the Bethells Beach community.
Justin spoke to Health Minister Andrew Little about a health equity report he received, National's COVID plan, and results of the mental health stocktake.
He also spoke to National's Covid-19 spokesperson Chris Bishop about their plans to reopen New Zealand, and talked to Anu Kaloti of the Migrant Workers' Association on the government's new residency programe for temporary visa holders.
Neighbourhood Watch reports on SA banning spit hoods, traditional guardians of a QLD world heritage-listed rainforest getting back ownership, and Facebook running adverts of a controversial federal MP despite banning him.
Producer Trishil Kyle Dahya reports on the experiences of people who are on the autistic spectrum and autistic burnout.
The construction of the Kennedy Point Marina at Pūtiki Bay on Waiheke Island has been a point of contention for iwi, local residents and environmental groups for some time. 95bFM reporter Tuva'a Clifton spoke with Naawie Tutugoro of Protect Pūtiki and Kitt Littlejohn from Kennedy Point Boatharbour Limited for an update about what each side has been up to during the Delta outbreak and lockdown. Tuva'a also followed up with Emily Maia of Protect Pūtiki to respond to some of Kitt Littlejohns comments.
This week on the show, host Jessica Hopkins spoke to Drowning Prevention Auckland's Chief Executive Nicola Keen-Biggelaar about the dangers of waterfalls.
She also interviewed Commissioner Mark Campbell of the Salvation Army about their aid work in Tonga.
Our regular City Counselling segment is returning for the New Year. Today Jessica spoke to Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson about Auckland Transport’s reduced services and his plans for increasing transport choices for West Auckland residents
And our new Producer Liam spoke to Otago University Immunologist Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu about the preparations our Government and schools are making in case of an Omicron outbreak in Aotearoa.
On our regular City Counselling segment, Jessica Hopkins spoke to Auckland Councillor Pippa Coom about the year ahead for the Council.
They discussed the local elections happening this year, the Government's light rail announcement, and how our recent move to Red has affected Auckland residents.
She also asked Pippa about the controversy surrounding a proposal to put Auckland regional parks into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
The anti-mandate protests in Wellington have been going on for nearly three weeks. They’re becoming increasingly problematic, with residents and reporters being threatened.
New Zealand has a long history of protests and this is the most widely-covered protest since the 1981 Springbok Tour. But what makes these anti-mandate protests different?
Sam Clark spoke to sociology Professor Marcelle Dawson from The University of Otago, who specialises in social movements and popular protest.
Justin spoke to Sue Moroney, the chief executive of Community Law Centres Aotearoa, on New Zealand residents who are still stuck in Afghanistan.
He also spoke to the Council of Trade Union's president Richard Wagstaff, and the Child Poverty Action Group's Mike O'Brien on the government's proposal for an unemployment insurance.
Joe talked to Tami Allen of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission on their submission for the health sector reform legislation.
He also chatted with Elin Arbez from the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses on their protest against the Taranaki Cup.
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