A packed to the gills morning for you. Starting off with Political Commentary with Dr Bryce Edwards. Later, two 95bFM special announcements, first Tāmaki Makaurau's most beloved multi-venue street festival The Other's Way is back for 2025, and Dave Dobbyn will be performing for one-show-only for the Winter Series. Love Square chat to Jonny about the upcoming first-ever K Road FAM festival, and then Downtown Days on the harbour. Hayden discusses mushrooms (just in time for Autumn) on What's The Buzz thanks to The Level and the New Zealand Drug Foundation. 

The Canadian election has been won by Mark Carney’s Liberal Party.

Carney will continue as Prime Minister, a role he assumed after Justin Trudeau’s resignation earlier this year.

The Liberals gained 169 seats, just short of the 172 needed for a majority, meaning they will have to work with minor parties to pass key legislation.

Minor parties, particularly the New Democratic Party, faced significant losses as voters turned towards the major parties during the election.

Despite losing the election, the Conservatives made significant gains in their levels of support, particularly with young people. 

United States President Donald Trump also loomed large in the election, following his comments earlier this year that he would make Canada the “51st state” and the trade war he has started with Canada. 

For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Aleksi Toiviainen, co-organiser for Vote16 Canada and democracy advocate, about the results of the election.

They started by asking if he could outline what the election result means for Canada.

An un-official request show primarily composed of your favourite Kiwi artists and bands.

Thanks to The Tuning Fork <3

Thanks to The Hempstore!

Hayden from the Drug Foundation chats mushrooms - just in time for Autumn! Thanks to The Level!

In March this year, the government made the decision to reduce the benefit for hospital patients who remain hospitalised after 13 weeks.

After 13 weeks, those experiencing long-term hospitalisation would see their benefit reduced to their "hospital rate" which was $55.35 a week (after tax), unless the person has a partner and a child or is a veteran.

For this week’s Get Action! I spoke to Fiona Charlton, volunteer president of New Zealand ME Society, who’s started a petition calling on the government to roll back benefit cuts to people experiencing long-term hospitalisation.

If you’d like to sign this petition, you can find it here:

The change to subsidising teachers registration fees has been well received by teachers across the country. A long anticipated change, it should eliminate a barrier to new teachers and a hurdle for existing teachers to cover.

Education minister Erica Stanford also recently announced new classroom upgrades across the country to areas facing more overcrowding. Many schools across the country face overcrowding as an imminent issue, forcing students into hallways, libraries, or other extra rooms. 

To discuss the change to teachers registration fees, overcrowding in schools, and what can be done to address these issues, Tuesday Wire Host Castor spoke to president of the Post Primary Teachers Association, Chris Abercrombie.

The 95bFM Top Ten counts down the best tunes from the bFM playlist as chosen by you!

Last week Transport minister Chris Bishop announced steps towards improvements to public transport from the Northwest of Auckland. The plan involves three stages, each promoting faster and more consistent public transport from the region. While early stages are planned for the next few years, later stages will be coming over the next ten or more years. 

The government has also announced $53 million towards subsidising teachers registration fees. This announcement follows extensive campaigning from teachers on this issue, eliminating a barrier for new and long-time teachers in Aotearoa. 

In our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with the transport upgrades in Northwest Auckland.