Zoë pops in as the theatre world slowing begins to rise from it's summer slumber. With a bunch of shows and festivals about to kick off, Zoë gives us a couple of picks from three of the upcoming celebrations. Check out Our Authentic Prom as part of Auckland Pride, Cake Baby at the Auckland Fringe Festival, and The Griegol as part of the Auckland Arts Festival.

His Worship dials in to catch up with Rach about what's been happening in Tāmaki Makaurau. Covering the Government's three water reforms and the implications for Watercare, the new Covid case in Northland and using the Covid Tracer App, and propossed electric buses to the airport.

Carolina Panico, who is a Doctoral student in Politics and International Relations in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Auckland, pops in for a chat about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which was entered into force last Friday. Carolina chats to Rach about the importance of this treaty and why it's such a big step.

Today on your bFM Breakfast: Espresso Workshop are helping us through this Tuesday morning with a tasty brew; Second Guessing brings us a can of creamed corn this morning; the Mayor dials in to talk through using the Covid Tracer App, water, and electric buses; Zoë pops in for the theatre guide talking three exciting festivals coming to Aotearoa; Short Player features Risera; and Carolina Panico pops in to teach us about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on Ready Steady Learn. It's definitely a big coffee morning.

The SPCA sees an oversupply of companion animals annually, with many shelters currently at full capacity. 

Jess talked to Roz Alsford from the SPCA about the importance of pet desexing to reduce overpopulation, and what people need to consider before becoming a pet owner. 

The interview started by discussing Kitten season, and what causes pet overpopulation. 

The Government has approved a border exception for 1000 offshore students who studied in Aotearoa in 2019 or 2020 to return from April 2021. 

However many students who are waiting to complete their degree will miss out, even with priority given to students the closest to graduating. 

Jess spoke to the Chief Executive of Universities NZ, Chris Whelan about what will need to happen for these students to return safely.

The interview started by discussing what this move will mean for the Tertiary sector and international students. 

Today, Lifewise workers are striking outside their offices in Mt Eden regarding poor working conditions. Workers are struggling with insufficient hours as well as having issues with sick/bereavement leave and rates of their pay. Lifewise is one of the three interdependent trusts under the methodist church who relies on their homecare workers to provide support to people in need. Aneeka spoke to Kirsty McCully from E tū, a democratic union supporting workers rights to fair pay and decent working conditions. 

Today on the Wire with Zoë:

Zoë Larsen Cumming interviews Professor at Massey University’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies and expert in Russian politics and foreign policy Rouban Azizian on the protests currently unfolding in Russia in support of Alexei Navalny.

Jess Hopkins interviews Chief Executive of Universities NZ, Chris Whelan on tertiary students returning to New Zealand. 

Jess also interviews Roz Alsford from the SPCA about the importance of pet desexing.

Finally, Aneeka Moheed interviews Kirsty McCully from E tū who was at the Lifewise workers protest in Mt Eden today. 

Whakarongo mai! 

Photographer and visual artist Edith Amituanai popped in for a chat about her upcoming exhibition 'Edith and George: In Our Sea of Islands' which is part of the Auckland Arts Festival next month. Whakarongo mai nei to hear about Edith's practice and her historical collaborator, the late George Crummer. 

Zoë Larsen Cumming interviews Professor at Massey University’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies and expert in Russian politics and foreign policy Rouban Azizian on the protest currently unfolding in Russia in support of Alexei Navalny.