For the first Audio Culture of 2025, Gareth Shute chats to Rosetta about the return of Shoegaze and traces the genre's local popularity from the '90s until today. Gareth's selections include songs from the Malchicks, Water and Yumi Zouma. Read more on Shoegaze's revival over here. Thanks to our friends at AudioCulture!

The submission period for the Treaty Principles Bill was due to close last week, however, due to mass amounts of last minute submissions leading to software issues, the deadline was extended to 1 pm on Tuesday, 14th January. 

Similarly, the submissions for the consultation period on the regulatory standards bill ended yesterday, another bill primarily pushed by David Seymour and the ACT party that would change how the government processes legislation. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor spoke to him about these bills and how the party plans to operate in 2025.

Spotify playlist here, but support artists on bandcamp / otherwise if you can :)

Ngā mihi nui to The Tuning Fork <3

A study published this week in the European Journal of Public Health has revealed 87% of children in Aotearoa have experienced significant trauma before the age of 8, which is much more than previously thought.

The study observed the effects of 8 kinds of traumatic childhood experiences, and found there can be a link between childhood trauma and obesity. It was also revealed that positive experiences can mitigate the effects of trauma.

Producer Athena spoke to Senior Researcher at City University of London and Honorary Researcher at the University of Auckland, Ladan Hashemi, about the effects of childhood trauma, its links to obesity, and ways to prevent and mitigate its effects.

It's time to dust off the cobwebs and get those cogs turning in your noggin 'cause Ready Steady Learn is back for 2025 thanks to Waipapa Taumata Rau - The University of Auckland. Jonny is joined by Behdad Ebrahimi of the Auckland Bioengineering Institute to chat about his work with people with a rare, and also serious, lung condition. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, or CTEPH for short, is a debilitating condition even post-surgery. Ebrahimi's work involves building computer models of lungs tailor-made to patients' own that can predict how blood flow and pressure will change following surgical intervention. Whakarongo mai nei! 

The New Zealand Drug Trend Survey (NZDTS) for 2024 has been released, and results have revealed an increase in participation in the 2020 Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. 

The percentage of people with prescriptions for medicinal cannabis increased from just 9% in 2022 and 2023, to 37% last year, while the percentage of users who have never asked for prescriptions decreased from 85% to 60%.

Producer Athena spoke to Associate Professor at the Massey University College of Health, Marta Rychert, about the medicinal benefits of cannabis, and what the survey results suggest about the current culture surrounding cannabis.

We’re back and buzzing to bring you a new year of curated soundscapes to inspire and delight.

Hosted by PHILLIEE, tonight’s episode features the Sound of Sydney by Carlos Avilés, spotlighting the artist Cousin. Let this be your late-night soundtrack for fresh beginnings, creative sparks, and endless calm.

~ Universal Harmony ~

A mindful escape, harmonizing the present and the possibilities ahead.

For Dear Science this week our expert Professor Allan Blackman chatted with us about extra-long ice chunks, lead poisoning in Ancient Rome, and a mystery volcano in 1831. 

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

Toe tappers, head nodders, ear easers and mind pleasers.

One week from today, President elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will take place, marking his second term as president. 

Between election day in November and now, much has occurred. Most recently Trump was granted an unconditional discharge in his highly publicised hush money trial - avoiding penalty, jail time or a fine - but he will still become the first president with a felony conviction. 

He’s also become increasingly strong on claims that the USA will buy Greenland as a territory, and aim to make Canada its 52nd state. Although the claims may seem outrageous - Trump is also demanding that Panama cede control of the Panama Canal back to the US. 

With such brazen claims and events - Producer Evie spoke to Director of Global Studies at the University of Auckland, Chris Ogden about what Trump’s upcoming term may look like and what impact these events may have.