This Waitangi weekend saw politicians gathering at the Treaty grounds to pay homage to Aotearoa’s founding document. At the event, party leaders and MPs across parliament gave speeches around the significance of Te Tiriti for their work. ACT leader David Seymour spoke about colonisation - stating that it wasn’t “all bad” and that there were some positives.
Seymour also acknowledged the tensions around the Treaty Principles Bill, which he called a pyrrhic victory.
Also last Thursday saw protestors from the Workers First Union gathering outside the office of Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden to protest against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill. The Union says this bill will take rights away from workers and put them into a place of uncertainty, which is especially worrisome as unemployment reaches its ten year high.
For this week’s catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning by asking about this Waitangi weekend.
Central government has granted new police powers to issue move-on orders for rough sleepers around the motu, with failure to comply resulting in penalties of a $2000 fine or the possibility of three months incarceration.
2 cases of measles have been reported in Auckland, both of which have been linked to overseas travel.
And, the celebrations continue in Tāmaki this week with the Chinese Lantern festival taking place this weekend at the Manukau Bowl.
Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about these topics.
The People’s Select Committee reported on the 2025 amendments to the Equal Pay Act on Tuesday this week. The document revealed that recent changes to our pay equity laws represent a clear undermining of human rights on multiple accounts. The legislation was passed under urgency last year, making it more difficult to correct pay inequities and freezing the progress of 33 active workers claims that affect thousands of kiwis’ rights to fair remuneration.
Producer Jasmine Gray first spoke to Oliver Christeller, Senior human rights advisor at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata / Human Rights Commission, about the legislative changes and how the issue disproportionately affects women-dominated professions.
She then also spoke to Rachel Mackintosh, National Secretary at E Tū Workers Union, about their mahi in fighting for pay equity in the current legislative climate.
This year, The Twinning Project debuted its pilot programme in Aoteaora. The global initiative offers incarcerated persons the opportunity to upskill by obtaining football coaching qualifications over the course of six weeks.
The near-end-of-term certification is paired with supported rehabilitative pathways to involvement in community and sport, including employment opportunities upon release.
The first cohort of 16 inmates graduated in Tāmaki Makurau last week, delivered in partnership with local organisations Auckland FC and Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility.
Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Hilton Freund, Global CEO of The Twinning Project, who was in Aotearoa to visit the first round of graduates last week.
She started by asking him to tell us a bit about the project, which began in the UK in 2018.
Karyn plays a selection of tracks from the newly released HELP (2) album. Proceeds go directly to support War Child UK’s “funding initiatives to protect, educate, and provide psychological support for children affected by conflict in 14 countries, including Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Yemen.”
There is also a tribute to Jim Wilson, founder of Phantom Billstickers, who died this week.
The World Health Organisation released a list of antibiotic resistant pathogens on Tuesday. These pathogens are in need of research for new treatments however here in New Zealand we are lucky enough to be safe from most of these bacteria’s for now. bFM reporter Tess Barnett spoke with a senior lecturer in Otago’s department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dr James Ussher, about what these pathogens are and where this list places New Zealanders
Angus Thunder brings you news highlights, tunes to wake you up and make you get the most out of what remains of the weekend, and of course your contributions too.
On The Wire with India, Lucy and Mack, hear about the state of emergency in Vanuatu where a volcano is causing thousands of people to evacuate. Marama Fox from the Māori Party and Geoff Simmons from TOP dicuss how each party fared in the election.
We also hear from a Three-Minute Thesis winner interested in fast/slow fashion, the founder of inclusive music collective Moments, and about a new street newspaper for K’Road’s fringe community.
After ten months of campaigning, The Opportunities Party gained 2.2 percent of the vote, meaning they are fell well below the 5 percent threshold needed to gain a seat in Parliament.
India spoke to the party’s deputy leader Geoff Simmons about what’s next for the party, whether he’ll be taking over the leadership from Gareth Morgan, and why he believes the Greens should consider a coalition with National.
Auckland’s leading skate brand affiliated radio show is returning home for summer - tune in for a huge
range of sweet music, classic bantz, the hottest of takes, and advice on how to cuff your pants.
Arcade Radio, with Mike, Jono, Eddy, Nat, and special guests every week. Only on 95bFM.
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