The Wire with Manny

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman speaks with us about going to the moon, graphene, and alchemy. 

For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Alex spoke with Ryan Hamilton about the Government’s Surcharge ban, the new police amendment, and the continued fuel crisis.

For Green World, Wire Producer Liam spoke to James Russell, Professor of conservation biology at the University of Auckland, about updates to the Predator Free 2050 Strategy, including further funding to make Wellington a predator free city within the next ten years.

And Wire Producer Flo spoke to Chris Bullen, Professor of Public Health at the School of Population Health of the University of Auckland about his criticism’ of the recent RNZ investigation into illicit tobacco and his research-based rejection of the investigation’s findings in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Health Coalition Aotearoa and Healthy Families South Auckland have recently released a report looking at food security issues in South Auckland and actions which can be taken to improve access to affordable, nutritious food in these areas.

The report recommended multiple measures which could be taken such as expanding Ka Ora Ka Ako the Healthy School Lunches programme through a sugary drinks tax, giving communities a say in how many junk food outlets are in their neighbourhoods and allowing Auckland Council to better utilize  underused public land for kai initiatives.

Its main call to action, however, is to ensure solutions are community-led with a collaborative approach from local and central government, to guarantee those suffering are being put first in systematic fights against the industrial food complex and economic inequality.

To discuss the report and its findings producer Thomas spoke to Health Coalition Aotearoa CoChair and Professor of Population Nutrition and Global Health, Boyd Swinburn.

A new report by the World Meteorological Organization has found that 2025 was among the three hottest years on record. 

High temperatures pose significant risks for our native wildlife, particularly our shorebirds, fish, and alpine birds. As we see a change in the needs of our native species, many of which are already endangered, the response from the Department of Conservation must also change. 

To discuss what DOC is doing as climate change continues to impact conservation efforts, News Director Castor spoke to Principal Science Advisor with the Department of Conservation, Drew Bingham.

The Government has announced a support package to address rising fuel prices.

And the McCains processing factory in Hastings is set to close in January 2027, but it is not yet known how many workers and growers will be affected by the closure.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden asked about both of these topics.