The Wire with Castor

We livecrossed to producer Bronwyn Wilde down on Queen Street at the 350 organisation's protest against ANZ's ongoing investment in the fossil fuel industry.

The protest comes after members of 350 found ANZ representatives in attendance at a recent Petroleum Club meeting. The satirical demostration required Aucklanders to vote on which fictional fossil fuel project they would like to see ANZ sponser next, in a bid to show what it would look like if ANZ was transparent about its ties to the fossil fuel industry. 

Justin talks about the current political crisis in Italy, after Giuseppe Conte resigned as Prime Minister, and how Matteo Salvini, the leader of the League party played a part in this.

Another packed Thursday Wire, with host Stewart Sowman-Lund and producer Justin. 

This week:

• The Herald’s Simon Wilson breaks down a fiery debate last night between the two most viable Auckland mayoral candidates - Phil Goff and John Tamihere.
• After that, we go live to bFM reporter Tu who is at a hikoi by Ihumatao protestors, heading for Jacinda Ardern’s Auckland office. 
• Then, Andrew Little chats to Stewart for his weekly segment. This week, a new Bill will allow bars to be open late for the Rugby World Cup. But should more be done?
• After that - Justin discusses the Italian political crisis.
• And finally, a piece by our regular reporter Deb, looking into workplace wellbeing.

All that plus Poll Position and a whole heap more - it's The Thursday Wire! 

This morning the government announced a discussion document on a new approach to urban planning. Announced by the Minister for Urban Development and the Minister for the Environment, the document hopes to provide a means to change planning rules, and free up overly restrictive legislation. Minister for Urban Development Phil Twyford said in the release, "our cities are failing", and "poor quality planning is stopping our cities from growing". The document proposes a National Policy Statement on Urban Development that would direct councils to free up planning rules while focusing on high quality streets, neighbourhoods and communities. Lillian Hanly spoke with Twyford following the announcement to find out more about the changes.