The Wire with Caeden

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about a new solar solution, the periodic table anniversary, and the latest research on human senses
For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamlilton about Wellington’s wastewater treatment plant failure, the State of the Nation, and NZ First’s call for a Māori seats referendum
For Green World, news-teamer Alex spoke to Nikolai Siimes, a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Auckland, about Biodynamic Alternatives to Fungicides
Producer Vihan spoke to the University of Auckland’s Shahper Richter on balancing AI and human values.

In Wellington, failure at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has led to millions of liters of wastewater being sent into the Cook Strait. 

The incident has shed light on what scientific experts have been saying for years — that water infrastructure in New Zealand is out of date and incapable of handling the growing effect of climate challenges without deeper investment.

The Salvation Army released their State of the Nation report which has found an increase in issues across the justice system, child welfare, and poverty contributing to declining social equality in Aotearoa.

As well, NZ First leader Winston Peters is campaigning on a referendum on Māori seats in New Zealand.

Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with Moa Point. 

This week on the Monday Wire...

For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about Liquid Natural Gas imports and David Seymour’s State of the Nation speech. 

They also spoke to Professor Emeritus at Massey University, Ralph Sims, about the sustainability of an LNG terminal.

And they spoke to University of Auckland Professor of Electrical Engineering Nirmal Nair about how the LNG plans would benefit power companies. 

Producer Alex spoke to Professor Emeritus in Law at the University of Auckland, Jane Kelsey, about the ongoing rumblings around reforms within the World Trade Organisation, New Zealand’s role, and what changes to the organisation would mean for us.

He also spoke with Professor in Chemicals and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland, and Deputy Director of the Green Energy Engineering Centre, Brent Young, about the governments LNG terminal proposal, and what it means in the context of our wider approach to fixing our energy woes.

This year at Big Gay Out, politicians will be permitted to speak again at the mainstage, despite not being allowed last year. Politicians and their parties have had a complicated history at the event, most recently with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon leaving after being harassed by protestors at the event in 2024. 

Big Gay Out has also been the site of other significant political action, including the Green Party’s 2021 petition to ban conversion therapy. 

To discuss the decision and the importance of linking queer events with politics, News Director Castor spoke to Communications and Advocacy manager at the Burnett Foundation, Kirk Serpes.

Big Gay Out is on this Sunday 15th February at Coyle Park.