The Wire with Joel

New video footage of the interior of the vandalised St James Theatre has been released by Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick, showing fungi growing on damp floors, damaged electrical fittings and roof, as well as an exposure to the weather and rain, and foundation-eroding dampness.

Swarbrick has written an open letter calling for the government to match the Auckland Council's $15 million commitment to restoring the building. She says this decision can't be kicked down the road any more and that the revival of the theatre will secure Queen Streets' status as a buzzing destination that will provide space and a place for Auckland's creative community.

Built in 1928, St James Theatre once hosted many shows and concerts. St James Theatre is also regarded as a Category 1 Heritage building, meaning it is a historic places are of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance or value. 

However, Building owner Steve Bielby says thieves and vandals had 'gutted' the once historic site.

Joe spoke to the owner of St James Theatre, Steve Bielby as well as Green Party MP for Auckland Central Chlöe Swarbrick, about why the revitalisation of St James Theatre is so significant to Auckland. 

A new inquiry has recently been opened by the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, asking for submissions on how to improve inter-regional rail in Aotearoa. 

The committee is particularly trying to understand how best to implement sustainable practices, and how to revitalise trains between big cities.

This comes after months of campaigning by Save our Trains, an organisation set up after minter-regional rail was minimised and plans to shift the trains to tourist transporters.

To understand what the new inquiry means, Liam spoke to Paul Callister from Save our Trains.

A study from the University of Auckland, led by audiologist Grant Searchfield, has had encouraging results regarding mitigating the condition. Stella spoke to Associate Professor Searchfield about the findings. 

The Green Party is calling for bottom trawling on seamounts to stop, following a 'white paper' from Sealord which the party calls greenwashing. Stella spoke to the party’s ocean and fisheries spokesperson, Eugenie Sage, on the matter.