The Wire with Castor

WWF-New Zealand, Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird released a joint policy roadmap last week calling for an “environmental reset” in New Zealand warning about the urgency of significant change needed in our climate and environmental policy direction.

Wire Host Sara spoke to WWF CEO Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb about the roadmap and the extent of change they are seeking.

PC 120 or Plan Change 120 was announced for Auckland as a way to boost housing intensification along public transport hotspots and in the CBD. The plan was celebrated as a way to ensure Auckland remains livable as a city into the 21st century, reducing traffic around key centres and increasing affordability. 

The plan was met with criticism from those living in affected central neighbourhoods, such as Mount Eden, Parnell, Ponsonby, and Epsom. Some residents say the changes will diminish the character of the neighbourhoods or make things much busier, disturbing their way of life. 

Intensification is difficult, therefore, as a balancing act between multiple parties. To discuss how developments can work as we move into a city fit for the 21st century, News Director Castor spoke to Dr. Mohsen Mohammadzadeh from the University of Auckland’s school of architecture and planning.

This week on the Tuesday Wire... 

For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about making English an official language of Aotearoa and reducing the minimum proposed homes for Auckland down to 1.6 million. 

They also spoke to Dr. Mohsen Mohammadzadeh from the University of Auckland’s school of architecture and planning about PC 120 and how to best develop Auckland as a city for the future. 

And producer Alex spoke with Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning, Timothy Welch, about the Infrastructure Commission’s suggestion of a $9 toll on the harbour bridge, whether it's the right move, and what it means for Auckland’s Infrastructure planning.

Big Gay Out was held by the Burnett Foundation on Sunday, and appearances from some politicians were met with controversy, ending with a protestor’s removal from the main stage. 

There have been discussions of a $9 toll to finance a new harbour crossing this week, while Auckland council’s Value For Money committee has also commenced for 2026.

Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about these topics, alongside new council initiatives that utilise AI.