On Monday, the government announced that they’d be introducing a rates rises cap, which is expected to be legislated by the end of 2026. The cap would be a minimum of 2% and a maximum of 4% nationwide.

When talking about the reasoning for the introduction of a rates cap, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that ratepayers in New Zealand were “fed up”.

Along with this, The Labour Party announced that if they were to be elected in next year’s election, they would offer doctors and nurse-practitioners low-interest loans to set up new practices or buy into existing ones. In their policy, Chris Hipkins stated they would hand out up to 50 loans per year, which would be up to 90% of the cost of buying into a practice, capped at $500,000 dollars. They also specified they’d be prioritising areas that had no general practitioners or practices with closed or partially closed books.

And last week, the Government announced a proposed major shake-up of local council. Where Mayors of cities and district councils would take over the duties of regional councils.

For our Weekly Catchup with The Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about the Government’s regional council’s announcement and Labour’s low-interest loans for family GP practices.

But first, they discussed The National Party’s rates rises cap.

Happy Rāapa! Today on the show, Rosetta and Milly listen back to their interviews at The Others Way Festival 2025, chat with Nadia Reid about her forthcoming show at the Powerstation this Saturday, and catch up on the summer safety tips with the team from Care HQ on The Birds The Bees and The Bugs. Whakarongo mai nei!

Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Rosetta, Milly, and the 95bFM Breakfast crew went along to The Others Way Festival on Saturday and had the best time! Arriving in style via the 95bFM bUS, we listen back to their kōrero with some of the incredible artists who performed at Karangahape's finest festi - including WITCH, The Phoenix Foundation, Romi Wrights, HDU, Clear Path Ensemble, and more! Whakarongo mai nei!

Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Courts have been utilised since 2012 to treat offences fueled by drug use or committed by people in active addiction. 

Offenders who would have otherwise faced up to three years in prison can instead commit to rehabilitation programs  and community work to aim to address the core issues of these offenders.

Amidst rising levels of methamphetamine use in New Zealand, the courts have shown success at rehabilitating offenders in the community and stopping reoffending. 

Producer Flo spoke to Dr Katherine Doolin, Senior Law Lecturer at the University of Auckland about the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Courts, the upcoming conference on AODT courts and her thoughts about the future of drug-crime related policy in Aotearoa New Zealand.

For our last chat with Care HQ of 2025, nurses Charlotte and Nickie are prepping us for all things safety and wellbeing, to ensure that you can make the most of your hot girl summer. Whakarongo mai nei!

Thanks to Care HQ!

It's Big J's birthday! 

Kaitlyn chats to Geneva AM out on the street at The Others Way Festival.

E whai ake nei, coming up on your Rātu Breakfast show with Rosetta and Milly: Political Commentary with Lara Greaves, a kōrero with Nikita from KITA, Ready Steady Learn, and short player with Troy Kingi! Whakarongo mai nei!

Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin chats with us about food waste and strategies for limiting food waste and E.coli being used to create rainbow dye.

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

Christmas Lights at MOTAT - experience Auckland’s most magical Christmas lights - heritage trams, festive music, Santa visits, and thousands of sparkling lights Tickets at motat.nz 

A new study by the University of Auckland has shown rising levels of burnout within the Pacific community.

The research is the first large-scale study to examine burnout within New Zealand-born Pasifika adults between the age of 18 to 65. 

The study found that 90 per cent of the adults experienced burnout, with almost 50 per cent experiencing burnout repeatedly. 

Producer Vihan spoke to University of Auckland Doctoral Candidate Asetoa Sam Pilisi about his study on burnout within New Zealand-born Pacific communities.