In July last year, the government announced a one year period of lower excise rates on the Heated Tobacco Products produced by Philip Morris. Last month, the government extended that period by two years, with evaluation now set for July 2027. 

This move has been seen by some as a tax break or a corporate subsidy for Philip Morris, but some have argued that it is a positive step for harm prevention through encouraging smokers to buy healthier nicotine products.

Producer Alex spoke to Emeritus Professor in Population Health at the University of Auckland Ruth Bonita about the government’s move, what it means for Philip Morris, and how this will impact the health of New Zealanders.

This week's show featured new music from Wolf Alice, Soft Bait, the Black Keys and more.

It's two years since host Bernie Griffen passed on to that big radio show in the sky. His sister Angela Griffen is in the studio with his partner host Kirsten Warner to play some tunes he would have loved or inspired by him. It was lots of fun with a few tears.

Mōrena! Join Joel and Shreya for 2 hours of queer music, featuring new tracks from Big Thief and Ethel Cain, and a lot of new songs from New Zealanders, such as The Beths, arielwose, Pickle Darling, and Roy Irwin! Whakarongo mai!

"'Dad, what's a [redacted]?' said my five year old daughter." - 95bFM texter.

Cam from Southbound Records is back up in the bFM studio to chat with Milly and Rosetta about whats out on the shelves today! Whakarongo mai nei!

Song selections:

MJ Lenderman - Left Your Smile

Mazzy Star - Halah

Ethel Cain - Nettles

Thanks to Southbound Records!

This week on Viewmaster, Litia catches up with Milly and Rosetta to chat about what she's been watching as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival! Whakarongo mai nei!

Happy Friday! Today on Brekkie, Rosetta and Milly chat with Dr Kirsten Zemke about songs with spoken-word intros for Travelling Tunes, catch up with Frau Knotz to chat about her new EP, have a kōrero about NZIFF with Litia for Viewmaster, and hear whats new on the shelves at Southbound Records for From The Crate. Whakarongo mai nei!