The Wire with Sara

Two large retailers, Yoyoso and EB Games, recently announced their intention to close. The announcements follow the closure of multiple other retailers, as business owners struggle to stay afloat amidst rising costs and declining customer bases. 

To discuss the problem, its causes, and potential solutions, News Director Castor spoke to Chief Executive at Retail NZ, Carolyn Young.

In November last year, feral cats were added to the list of predators to be eliminated in the New Zealand wide ambition ‘Predator Free 2050’.

The decision recognises the long-held concerns of conservationists that the uncontrolled wild cat population is endangering native animals including birds.

Courtney Addision, a Senior Lecturer in Science in Society at the Victoria University of Wellington, published an article in the Conversation voicing concerns about the move — including the distinction between feral, stray and domestic cats, as well as how welfare considerations need to be visited in approaching this species.

For Green World this week, Wire Host Sara spoke to Addison about the issue, in the context of wider environmental and ethical implications going forward.

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.