Wilding pines are an ongoing issue for ecosystems across Aotearoa. The ubiquitous conifers crowd out native plantlife, taking up water and nutrients that would otherwise be used to support native ecosystems. The pines also present a fire risk, and shrink the available grazing land of farms.

The pines spread easily and rapidly, requiring intensive eradication efforts to both remove the pines from a region and ensure they do not return.

Earlier this week, the government announced a boost to wilding pine control funding of an additional $79 million over the next three years bringing the total spend to $109 million.

So, to discuss the war on Christmas trees and the destruction these pines wreak on our ecosystems, producer Theo spoke to Dr Justin Nairn, a plant protection scientist at Scion and the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science.

For over two centuries, political leaders in the United States of America have been fixated on the idea of bringing the island nation of Cuba into the American sphere of influence. Now, under the leadership of Donald Trump, direct military intervention in Cuba seems more likely that it has since the early ‘60s.

The former Cuban president Raul Castro has recently been indicted by a grand jury in Miami, leading to speculation that the Trump administration may use the same strategy deployed in the indictment and subsequent abduction of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

To discuss the history of US-Cuba relations and the prospect of military intervention by Trump, producer Toby spoke to US history expert Dr. Paul Taillon.

Ata mārie e te whānau! Rosetta and Milly have another bangin' bFM Breakfast lined up for you, with 100% New Zealand Music! E whai ake nei, coming up on the show: Rosetta spoke with Cory Champion about the new Clear Path Ensemble, Neil Finn chooses a song for us, and your chance to win Mainard Larkin's new record on wax! Whakarongo mai nei.

Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Two Green Party members' bills were drawn recently; the first would ban mining on conservation land. It comes at a time when parties in the government coalition seem to have their hearts set on turbo-charging the mining industry, with a key bill being put forward that would enable a range of new commercial activities on conservation land and potentially allow the sale of over 60% of the land.

The other green party bill aims to protect children leaving care in Oranga Tamariki from finding themselves without a place to live.

Finally, a landmark climate lawsuit against six major companies was stopped in its tracks by the government. The government says that it made the decision to prevent the suit to ensure businesses had legal clarity and certainty. However, it has now been revealed that the government and business lobbyests had been in contact, and knowledge of this contact may have been unduly withheld, prompting critics to raise the alarm that the government may be circumventing core democratic processes to satisfy business interests.

So for our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about their parties members bill, especially mining on conservation land, and what it means for the government to intervene in such as way with this case.

it's 100% NZ Music Week baby!!! Ella and Kaitlyn are joined by our #boss Tom, and are counting down the hottest ten tracks of the week as voted by you. 

Here is this week's 95bFM Top Ten. Text 'VOTE' + your favourite song to 5395 or vote online by 6pm next Wednesday. Democracy is so cool and fun! 

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman speaks with us about electricity from ambient moisture, bananas in smoothies, and whether or not we can cool the earth with tiny particles.

For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Alex spoke with MP Ryan Hamilton about the Government’s increasing use of AI, The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill, and the government changing agency names to English before Māori.

Alex also spoke with Dr Chris McMillan, a Professional Teaching Fellow at the University of Auckland, about the dangerous temperatures facing athletes at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, how they will affect the game, and what FIFA's role in this is.

And for Green World this week, Producer Thomas spoke to the University of Waikato’s Associate Professor in Law Nathan Cooper, on New Zealand’s role in the United Nation’s latest resolution affirming the International Court of Justice’s ruling that states have a legal duty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment from the climate crisis. 

Last week, the government announced that it would intensify AI usage in the public sector, in a move to further reduce spending in the sector. The government have defended this move, but concerns have been raised about the safety, regulation, and vulnerability of AI services.

Last week also saw the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill pass its first reading. The member’s bill would seek to, in New Zealand law, define genders, in a move that has been criticised by many as transphobic.

Last week also saw the change of government agencies’ names to give primacy to their English names, rather than te reo Māori first.

This week, Wire Host Alex spoke with National MP Ryan Hamilton about these topics.

For Dear Science this week, our Expert, Professor Allan Blackman, speaks with us about electricity from ambient moisture, bananas in smoothies, and particles to reflect the sun.

Thanks to MOTAT - Home of Powerful Play!

The New Zealand Music Month special! All Kiwi tunes, all Kiwi chat.  

Your loveable duo are back for another week, spinning tunes submitted by artists across the country.  

Also! Spaced Out with Josh Aoraki from Te Whatu Stardome, where we talk about rockets and spaceships. 

Thanks to The Beer Spot 

Kia ora lovely listeners <3

It’s a special edition of Tuesday Morning Glory today…

Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa / NZ Music Month means all NZ music, all week on 95bFM!

Featuring music from current local favs: Hanisi Garue, Nice Girl and Kaishandao (+ many more…)

Thanks to The Tuning Fork!