Last month, the H5N1 strain of bird flu reached Australia. The government has now confirmed seven cases of the deadly disease, which mainly affects birds, but can jump to mammals too.

Experts here in New Zealand now believe that the arrival of the deadly virus on our shores is now a matter of “when” rather than “if.” Our goal should be to prepare the best that we can for the inevitable introduction, which poses a threat to native wildlife and livestock alike.

To discuss the threats posed by the H5N1 strain of bird flu, producer Toby spoke to Dr. Dianne Brunton, an expert in ecology at the University of Auckland.

Carmel Sepuloni joins Rosetta and Milly on the airwaves for a chat about The Labour Party's most recent policy announcements, including the $20 public transport fair cap and the expansion of the Apprenticeship Boost. Whakarongo mai nei!

this week jess and olive kōrero about the importance of self-love and self-compassion! we have a visit from milly breakfast who announces her marriage to herself this august (congrats mils), we talk about the need for getting back to the commune and intergenerational friendships as forms of self-love, and jess big ups dr melissa gilbert (we love u) ! :--)

Elle spoke to Emilie Palmelund, about her project Rita P. Also known for playing bass in Bar Italia’s live band, Emilie’s solo work takes on a dark and fantastical character. Following the striking sonic world of "Rita’s Purse", Emilie’s sophomore release "Esque" playfully continues the textural and emotionally driven debut.

Ella is back (hooray!) and we're counting down the Top Ten tracks of the week as voted by you! See you next week xx 

Cam is up nice and early this week, chatting about some exciting new wax available at Southbound - just in time for your long weekend shopping! Exciting new city-pop reissues, Pharoah Sanders, and the new Jack White album - which you can get two days early from the listening party at Southbound TONIGHT! Whakarongo mai nei!

Thanks to Southbound Records!

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, we’re doing things a little differently, with two new experts, Professor Sebastian Leuzinger and Associate Professor Armagan Sabetian, chat with us about Octopus brains and fast-aging fish.

Host Alex speaks with Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Otago, Andrew Geddis, about New Zealand First’s promise to restrict voting rights for non-citizens.

Producer Liam chats with Associate Professor Jennifer Frost from the University of Auckland about America’s 250th Anniversary, how people have engaged with it, and how President Donald Trump is increasingly modelling himself as a king and distancing himself from the principals that founded the United States. 

Liam also speaks to Dr John Horrocks, an independent researcher, about the continued use of leaded petrol in New Zealand for light aircraft and motor racing, the possible health consequences of the use of leaded petrol, and what this country can do to phase it out completely. 

Award-winning singer MĀ joins Smashton and Big J to chat about the upcoming Matariki Te Karanga-a-Hape event on Thursday 9 July.  

MĀ, joined by LADI6, WAIWHAI, and Halfqueen will be performing at the festival on Karangahape Road, a full day celebration of light, music, storytelling and connection.

Last week, as it does every year on the 4th of July, America celebrated its 250th anniversary. The signing of the declaration of independence in 1776 marked a clear separation between the former British monarchical system they were leaving behind and the new democratic principles the United States aspired to. Yet, in 2026, many have seen Trump as modelling himself increasingly as a king, which has met resistance from movements like the 'No Kings' protests. 

I spoke to Jennifer Frost, Associate Professor in History from the University of Auckland, about America’s birthday, how people have engaged with it and whether America in 2026 is reverting to non-democratic tendencies. 

In 1996, after 20 years of debate and pushback from oil lobbyists, New Zealand banned the use of leaded gasoline in cars. An exception, however, remained, with leaded petrol still permitted for use in light aircraft, helicopters and motor racing. Lead, even in small doses, has been linked to negative health effects including neurodevelopmental disorders. 

I spoke with Dr John Horrocks, an independent researcher who, in collaboration with University of Otago Public Health Professor Nick Wilson, published a briefing on the continued use of lead in New Zealand. We discussed why leaded petrol is still being used, what health effects it might have, and what we can do to phase its use out.