The Wire with Caeden

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin chats with us about a new technique for diagnosing microbial infections, new research on climate risk perceptions, and a Danish invention that could prevent counterfeiting.

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

This week on the Monday Wire...

For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Editor Castor spoke to MP Laura McClure about New Zealand’s stance on the US kidnapping of Venezuelan president Maduro and the ACT party’s campaign plans for 2026. 

They also spoke to distinguished scholar at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, and honorary faculty member at the Department of Physics at the University of Auckland, Kevin Trenberth, about rising ocean temperatures and the potential ramifications. 

Producer Alex spoke to Professor Robert Patman, a senior lecturer in Political Science at the University of Otago, about Trump’s attacks and intervention in Venezuela, and what that means for the US’ place in South America and the world.

He also spoke with Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Auckland, Dr Ulrich Speidel, about the Managemyhealth data breach, what it means about the cybersecurity about these platforms, what leaked data means, and what should be done to protect New Zealanders’ personal data.

From Dec 27 to Jan 18, all train lines across Tāmaki will be shutting down for summer maintenance, a closure which is expected to be the last of its kind ahead of the opening of the City Rail Link. 

The current measles outbreak in Tāmaki is being continually monitored, with exposure sites being updated daily on info.health.nz. The public are encouraged to track whether they’ve been in possible contact with the virus, and get up to date on any vaccinations to limit possibilities of transmission. 

Auckland Council are supporting arts initiatives across the summer months, with Music in the Park kicking off in early January, and Movies in the Park following in February. 

Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about these topics, and also asked for comment following the attack by two gunmen at Bondi Beach earlier this week.

On this week's 'Best of the Wire' Special:

For Max's final Wire 😢 he spoke with Green Party MP Ricardo Menendez March for our weekly catchup w/ The Green Party. They discussed the latest report on Auckland homelessness, a potential social media ban in Aotearoa, and the Government’s RMA reforms.

In June, former Wednesday Wire host Oto spoke to an Iranian New Zealander living in Iran, going under the alias ‘Maryam’, to discuss Israel launching missiles inside Iranian territory.

In September, Max spoke with John Minto from the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa to discuss US President Trump’s leaked Gaza Riviera plan.

In October, Producer Manny spoke with Professor of Conservation Biology James Russel, on preparations made to prevent an explosion of predator species when the beech trees fruit.

And earlier this month, Producer Flo spoke with University of Auckland researcher Kirsten Tilleman, about the safety of queer people on public transport.

The Wednesday Wire will return in January 2026... Merry Christmas to all, and a happy New Year!