For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke with Shanan Halbert about the local elections turn-out, the ceasefire in Gaza, and the infighting in Te Pāti Māori. On City Counselling this week, Producer Sanat spoke to freshly elected councilor Shane Henderson about his campaign and what he’s most looking forward to over the next three years. He also spoke to Justine Smythe, chair of the Breast Cancer Foundation about the extension of free mammogram screenings to women up to 74 year olds. Lastly, he had a conversation with Te Punaha Matatini’s Co-Director Markus Luczak-Roesch about the Science System Advisory Group’s latest report and changes to New Zealand’s science research funding regime. And Producer Jasmine spoke with Meg de Ronde, CEO of Te Kāhui Tika Tangata (Human Rights Commission), on the mahi and obligations of Aotearoa as signatories to the UN Subcommitee on the Prevention of Torture, in light of their visit earlier this month.
The Science System Advisory Group headed by Sir Peter Gluckman, released its second report yesterday detailing new proposals for New Zealand’s science and innovation eco system. As a part of this report and the Government’s response, a massive shakeup of the funding regime has been announced with the establishment of “Research funding New Zealand’ a new independent board that will replace most existing decision makers across science. At the same time, this report outlines a clear lack of investment, funding and strategic leadership in terms of how New Zealand’s science ecosystem can solve problems that benefit all New Zealanders beyond short term economic growth. Te Punaha Matatini is a research institute trying to solve the complex and wicked problems of the 21st century in Aotearoa. Thursday Wire Producer Sanat spoke with their co-director Markus Luckas-Roeshe about these announcements and what the future of New Zealand’s science eco-system needs to look like.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is celebrating a landmark moment for women’s health today as the Government officially extends breast screening nationwide to women aged up to 74. After campaigning for eight years to increase the screening age limit from 69 to 74, the Foundation’s Chair, Justine Smyth, says the national roll-out marks a significant victory for early detection. “A woman’s risk of breast cancer is actually higher at 70 than it is at 50, which is why we campaigned so hard to get the age limit raised,” Justine says. “Thanks to the extension, more women will have the chance to detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. And early detection means less invasive treatment, faster recovery, and most importantly – more lives saved.” Thursday Wire Producer Sanat spoke to Justine about the changes, what they mean for families and communities across the country, their advocacy journey and the next steps for Breast Cancer awareness.
Local elections wrapped up this Saturday across the country with Auckland recording the lowest turnout in decades. However, as councilors and local board members settle in for the next term, Thursday Wire Producer Sanat talked to Shane Henderson about how leaders from across our city step up and campaign for these elections, what his community is looking forward to over the next term and what sort of reforms he wants to pursue to stem this decline in local democracy.
Earlier this month, the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture visited Aotearoa for the first time since 2013. The delegation made a range of unannounced visits to facilities such as prisons, police stations, and youth justice and protection residencies. The end of visit observations included a repeated emphasis on strengthening investment in and utility of our National Preventative Mechanism - the collective of Aotearoa’s independent statutory organisations tasked with advancing the kaupapa to keep detained people safe. The subcommittee’s final report will be delivered to Aotearoa’s government, which is then up to government discretion whether the document is made public. Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to Meg de Ronde, CEO of Te Kāhui Tika Tangata (Human Rights Commission) - the coordinating body of the National Preventative Mechanism - about the subcommittee's statements.
Only 32.6% of eligible voters voted in local elections, the worst turnout in 36 years. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza. And politicians across the house have criticised Te Pāti Māori for the confusing infighting between members that has played out over the past few days. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about all of these issues.
On Friday last week, a range of organisations who provide services to the homeless population in Auckland and across New Zealand came together for a World Homeless Day event in the CBD. Tuesday Wire Host Sara attended the event, and spoke with Lifewise Executive Chair, Pam Elgar about the kaupapa of the day.
Following on from my chat with MP Ricardo Menendez March, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with Ritesh Shah, a Senior Lecturer in Critical Studies and Education and the Co-Director of the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies at the University of Auckland, about the most recent ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. This comes following reports of Israeli soldiers having shot and killed nine Palestinians returning to their homes following the ceasefire. US President, Donald Trump, has warned that if Hamas do not disarm, the US will “disarm them”. Joel spoke to Shah about this topic and whether this ceasefire will stick.
Earlier this week, the Government announced science-based biogenic methane targets for 2050, in what they say will provide farmers and exporters with a clear pathway to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and trade competitiveness. Following Cabinet approval, the target will be set at a range of 14–24 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050, reflecting the findings of the independent Methane Science Review released in 2024. For our weekly catch-up with The Green Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about this topic. They also discussed the most recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and recent findings from the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ showing Aotearoa’s oceans are warming 34% faster than the global average. But first, they discussed the Government’s changes to methane targets.
This week on the Wednesday Wire: For our weekly catchup with the Green Party News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about the government’s downgrade of methane targets, the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and the country’s oceans warming 34% faster than the global average. For this weeks Get Action Producer Manny speaks to The chair of the Public Issues for the Association of Psycho therapists, Rick Williment, on the open letter from Mental Health Professionals calling on the New Zealand Government to act on Palestine Joel spoke to Ritesh Shah, a Senior Lecturer in Critical Studies and Education and the Co-Director of the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies at the University of Auckland, about the most recent ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel and whether it will stick. Manny spoke to the Chief Executive of Retail New Zealand Carolyn Young about the government's plans to ban stores passing on the contactless pay wave fee Tuesday Wire Host Sara also attended the Auckland Central World Homeless Day event on Friday, and spoke with Lifewise director Pam Elgar. Whakarongo mai!
For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin talks with us about the Nobel prizes in Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, and Physics For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about methane emissions reduction targets, benefit changes for 18 and 19 year olds, and the Policing Act amendment. For Green World, news-teamer Leilani spoke to Earth Sciences NZ Dr Cliff Law about ocean acidification Producer Faith spoke to NZ Drug Foundation’s policy director Dr. Jacek Kolodziej about harm reduction in Aotearoa, and what laws need to change. Faith also spoke to Save Animals From Exploitation (aka the SAFE organisation) CEO Debra Ashton about the government’s new pig-caging bill
Since the Industrial Revolution in 1840, the burning of fossil fuels and land use change have increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. While much of this excess carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere, a significant portion is absorbed by the oceans. As a result, the pH of the oceans is steadily decreasing, threatening marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the communities that depend on them. This week, Leilani spoke to Dr Cliff Law from Earth Sciences New Zealand about ocean acidification
For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin talks with us about the Nobel prizes in Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, and Physics. Love all things trams? LIVE Day: Trams is on at MOTAT this Sunday 19 October! Check out their impressive collection and catch a ride on one of the steam trains. Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow.
Last week, Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced the Cabinet’s decision to amend the Policing Act, to restore the right for police to collect and use images in public spaces. This follows a recent Supreme Court case which ruled that an image of a person taken during a traffic stop could not be used against them in an unrelated crime. Privacy law specialist Gehan Gunasekara says the revision could extend police powers towards a “surveillance state”. The government has also announced a change of eligibility for the jobseeker benefit to come into effect from next November — which will see 18 and 19 year olds with parents making more than a combined income of $65,529, no longer able to receive payments. In the June 2025 quarter, 12.9% of this country’s 15 to 24 year olds were not in jobs, education or training, and despite claims by Prime Minister Chris Luxon, employers and recruitment agencies have said there aren’t enough roles for those seeking. Finally, on Sunday the government announced their plan to change methane emissions reduction targets in New Zealand, aiming for between 14 and 24% by 2050, compared to 2017 levels, as opposed to the previous target was between 24 and 47%. Agriculture and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says the decision is in alignment with evidence, as well as the practicality for farmers — but the decision goes against the Climate Change Commission recommendations to increase the targets, and has been called a “step back” for our climate targets. Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Carl Bates about all of these topics, starting with the Policing Act amendment. She started by asking about the expected benefits of the change
The government’s Animal Welfare bill has passed its first reading, and has already sparked outrage among animal rights activists. The bill would amend the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to permit the ongoing use of farrowing crates and mating stalls for pigs. One of the bill’s main opponents is SAFE (Save Animals from Exploitation). Producer Faith spoke to SAFE ceo Debra Ashton about the bill.
A new report from the NZ Drug Foundation has highlighted the need for safer drug laws, to focus on harm reduction. Experts from the foundation believe that stronger action needs to be taken in order to combat the growing statistics of overdoses, substance abuse, and drug-related deaths. Producer Faith spoke to the foundation’s policy director Dr. Jacek Kolodziej about how the law needs to change, and how drug addiction should be addressed
Last Week, French Prime Minister and President Macron Appointee, Sebastien Lecornu, resigned from his post after his hours old government collapsed. By the end of the week, Lecornu was reappointed as prime minister by Macron. At the time of his first appointment, Lecornu was already the 5th french prime minister in two years. These events are the latest occurrences in the recent political instability in France that was further stoked by Macron’s dissolution of government and the ensuing parliamentary elections that took place last year, in a failed bid to secure the government. Instead, the government now sees itself split evenly between multiple blocs, with Macron desperately trying to maintain control Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to Associate Professor in European Language and Literature at the University of Auckland, Deborah Walker-Morrison, about these moves, France’s instability, and what this means for the future of France’s government and the popularity of the far right.
Last week, the government passed a New Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection act. The Act includes a new organisation of marine protected areas, and new rules for fishing, in the hopes that they will address environmental issues in the gulf. Concerns, however, remain over the wellbeing of marine life, both now and going forward, and particularly that of larger marine life like whales and dolphins. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to Professor of Marine Ecology and Conservation Biology at the University of Auckland, Rochelle Constantine, about the welfare of these larger marine animals, how this bill will help them, and what work there remains to be done.
Despite the government imposing regulations that restrict the advertisement of vaping, international campaigns are still reaching young New Zealanders through influencer marketing and sponsorship of popular overseas sporting events. In a recently published paper, University of Auckland School of Population Health Research Fellow Dr Lucy Hardie examined how e-cigarette companies can target young New Zealanders through social media marketing and legal loopholes. 95bFM Intern Zanoor spoke with Hardie about this research and her concerns about the harm these campaigns can cause.
Following my chat with Simon, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke more about the amendments to the Policing Act with Gehan Gunasekara - the Convenor of the Surveillance Group within the Privacy Foundation and an Associate Commercial Law Professor at the University of Auckland, about concerns these changes will create a “surveillance state”. Here is that interview.