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GP Crisis w/ the University of Auckland's Felicity Goodyear-Smith

 GP Crisis w/ the University of Auckland's Felicity Goodyear-Smith GP Crisis w/ the University of Auckland's Felicity Goodyear-Smith, 15.77 MB
Wed 4 Mar 2026

Despite being at the backbone of our health system, primary care in Aotearoa is facing unprecedented struggles.That's according to a recent study looking at six wealthy countries healthcare systems, including New Zealand's.

An Increasing shortage of GP's, with the marjority of the workforce planning to retire in the next 10 years, an ageing population of patients, along with outdated and disconnected degital systems hampering the streamline transfer of patients between health organisations is putting unprecedented strain on the system, increasing wait times, and worsining outcomes.

To discuss their study and dig into their solutions I spoke to one of the study's researchers, Professor Felicity Goodyear-Smith from the Department of General Practice and Primary Healthcare.

The Wire w/ Manny: 4 March 2026

 The Wire w/ Manny: 4 March 2026 The Wire w/ Manny: 4 March 2026, 70.56 MB
Wed 4 Mar 2026

This week on the Wednesday Wire...

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the war in Iran and Pay equity.

We then spoke to Professor Felicity Goodyear-Smith from the Department of General Practice and Primary Healthcare, about the crisis in primary care and what can be done to support GP’s.

And after that, we’ll share with you part of a series of interviews we did with festival organisers looking to understand why so many were struggling at this current time and how the government overlooked these grassroots local event organisers.

The Wire w/ Alex: 3 March, 2026

 The Wire w/ Alex: 3 March, 2026 The Wire w/ Alex: 3 March, 2026, 65.08 MB
Tue 3 Mar 2026

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chats with us about the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Squeaky Rubber Shoes, and Plastic made from Milk. 

For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Tuesday Wire Host Alex spoke to National MP Ryan Hamlilton about the government's shares in Air New Zealand, their Teacher Training Boosts, and the results of the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey.

He also spoke with Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Otago, Nicholas Khoo, about The US and Israeli strikes on Iran, nuclear proliferation, and what it means for the existing rules based liberal order.

The US and Israel's Strikes on Iran, Nuclear Proliferation, and the Rules-Based Order w/ The University of Otago's Nicholas Khoo: 3 March, 2026

 The US and Israel's Strikes on Iran, Nuclear Proliferation, and the Rules-Based Order w/ The University of Otago's Nicholas Khoo: 3 March, 2026 The US and Israel's Strikes on Iran, Nuclear Proliferation, and the Rules-Based Order w/ The University of Otago's Nicholas Khoo: 3 March, 2026, 14.49 MB
Tue 3 Mar 2026

Over the weekend, the US and Israel launched supposedly pre-emptive strikes against Iran. Their goal was, initially, to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and bring about regime change. In the days since, however, criticisms have been levied over the way that these claims have been wielded. Additionally, the western world, and the rules-based liberal order, have had to adjust further to the US’ chaotic behaviour on the world stage, with countries variably either standing behind the US, or casting criticism.

Tuesday Wire Host Alex spoke with Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Otago, Nicholas Khoo, about the role Nuclear Proliferation has played in these strikes, how the strikes have evolved, and how the liberal order has reacted.

The Wire w/ Castor: 2nd March, 2026

 The Wire w/ Castor: 2nd March, 2026 The Wire w/ Castor: 2nd March, 2026, 83.42 MB
Mon 2 Mar 2026

This week on the Monday Wire...

For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about the Middle East, Air New Zealand shares, and move-on orders for rough sleepers. 

They spoke to Iranian political scientist and activist, Samira Ghoreishi, about the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

They also spoke to Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara, Karen Orsborn, about youth struggles to access mental health support services in Aotearoa. 

And they spoke to President of Living Streets Aotearoa, Tim Jones, about a set of new transport proposals, particularly as they affect pedestrians and cyclists.

Proposed transport changes and impacts on pedestrians w/ President of Living Streets Aotearoa Tim Jones: 2nd March, 2026

 Proposed transport changes and impacts on pedestrians w/ President of Living Streets Aotearoa Tim Jones: 2nd March, 2026 Proposed transport changes and impacts on pedestrians w/ President of Living Streets Aotearoa Tim Jones: 2nd March, 2026, 6.91 MB
Mon 2 Mar 2026

The government recently announced five proposals to change transport rules in Aotearoa. The proposals include changes that would see e-scooters permitted in bike lanes, and one that would allow cyclists aged twelve and below to use footpaths. 

While four of the changes have been celebrated by Living Streets Aotearoa, the first, around allowing more bikes on footpaths, has been criticised. The organisation sez that this change could open a gateway to more bikes being permitted in pedestrian spaces, increasing risk especially for the elderly and the disabled. 

To discuss their stance on the issue, News Director Castor spoke to president of Living Streets Aotearoa, Tim Jones.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East and domestic impacts for Iran w/ political scientist and activist Samira Ghoreishi: 2nd March, 2026

 Escalating conflict in the Middle East and domestic impacts for Iran w/ political scientist and activist Samira Ghoreishi: 2nd March, 2026 Escalating conflict in the Middle East and domestic impacts for Iran w/ political scientist and activist Samira Ghoreishi: 2nd March, 2026, 12.54 MB
Mon 2 Mar 2026

This past weekend saw tensions in the Middle East rising, with Israel and the United States launching strikes on Iran yesterday, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran responded by launching strikes on Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. 

The conflict follows tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which in turn followed protests across Iran earlier this year. As the situation develops, the internal and external politics of Iran are precarious, as all parties remain interested in who could take power. 

To discuss how the events came about and will affect domestic politics in Iran, News Director Castor spoke to political scientist and activist, Samira Ghoreishi.

Ghoreishi spoke to 95bFM in an independent capacity.

Youth access to mental health services w/ Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara, Karen Orsborn: 2nd March, 2026

 Youth access to mental health services w/ Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara, Karen Orsborn: 2nd March, 2026 Youth access to mental health services w/ Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara, Karen Orsborn: 2nd March, 2026, 7.16 MB
Mon 2 Mar 2026

Last week, Te Hiringa Mahara the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission released a series of data summaries on the state of youth mental health in Aotearoa. One of the key findings of the study was that despite an increase in stress levels, fewer young people are accessing specialist mental health and addiction support services.

To discuss the causes of the issue and how it can be addressed at multiple levels across society, News Director Castor spoke to Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara, Karen Orsborn.

Pay Equity Law Reform Undermines Human Rights w/ Oliver Christeller & Rachel Mackintosh: February 26, 2026

 Pay Equity Law Reform Undermines Human Rights w/ Oliver Christeller & Rachel Mackintosh: February 26, 2026 Pay Equity Law Reform Undermines Human Rights w/ Oliver Christeller & Rachel Mackintosh: February 26, 2026, 32.12 MB
Thu 26 Feb 2026

The People’s Select Committee reported on the 2025 amendments to the Equal Pay Act on Tuesday this week. The document revealed that recent changes to our pay equity laws represent a clear undermining of human rights on multiple accounts. The legislation was passed under urgency last year, making it more difficult to correct pay inequities and freezing the progress of 33 active workers claims that affect thousands of kiwis’ rights to fair remuneration.

Producer Jasmine Gray first spoke to Oliver Christeller, Senior human rights advisor at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata / Human Rights Commission, about the legislative changes and how the issue disproportionately affects women-dominated professions.

She then also spoke to Rachel Mackintosh, National Secretary at E Tū Workers Union, about their mahi in fighting for pay equity in the current legislative climate.

City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: February 26, 2026

 City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: February 26, 2026 City Counselling w/ Shane Henderson: February 26, 2026, 10.56 MB
Thu 26 Feb 2026

Central government has granted new police powers to issue move-on orders for rough sleepers around the motu, with failure to comply resulting in penalties of a $2000 fine or the possibility of three months incarceration. 

2 cases of measles have been reported in Auckland, both of which have been linked to overseas travel.

And, the celebrations continue in Tāmaki this week with the Chinese Lantern festival taking place this weekend at the Manukau Bowl.

Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about these topics.