The Wire with Caeden

The government has been considering a ban on homeless people rough sleeping in central Auckland after dark. 

Spokespeople from homelessness and poverty action groups have criticised the proposal for not effectively addressing the root causes of the crisis. 

Producer Faith spoke to Aaron Hendry from the youth homelessness organisation Kick Back Make Change about the consideration, and its potential consequences

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin about the world’s biggest spiderweb, bacteria movement, and the Marsden Fund Awards for 2025, thanks to MOTAT.

For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about the Climate Change Response Act, the Regulatory Standards Bill, and measures being considered around homelessness in Auckland's CBD.

For Green World, Sara spoke to Professor James Renwick from Victoria University in Wellington, about the impact of climate change on human health

Producer Faith spoke to Aaaron Hendry from the Kick Back, Make Change organisation about the government considering banning homeless people rough sleeping in the CBD

Last week, Climate Minister Simon Watts announced numerous changes to New Zealand’s Climate Change Response Act, including removing the requirement for Climate Change Commission advice on emissions reductions plans, and easing requirements around public consultation on government targets.

Last week, the second reading of the Regulatory Standards Bill passed through parliament, despite large public opposition to the bill.

Finally, the central government alongside Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown have been discussing measures to “move on” homeless rough sleepers from the Auckland CBD. 

Wire Host Sara spoke with MP Carl Bates about all of these topics, she started by asking about the government’s motivation for changing the consultation requirements within the Climate Change Response Act

This week on the Monday Wire:

For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about government ministers announcing they are considering banning rough sleeping in Auckland’s CBD and the Regulatory Standards Bill passing its second reading.

Producer Alex spoke to  Dr Iresh Jayawardena, a lecturer in Architecture and Urban Planning and lead researcher for the Future Cities Research Centre about Earth Science New Zealand’s new Flood Risk Map, and what it says about our infrastructure’s exposure to climate based harms.

And Joel spoke to Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Auckland, about NZ First’s members bill proposed a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks, touching on why we are seeing so many members bills from the party.

Whakarongo mai!