Ahead of the CRL’s much anticipated opening later this year, many people have been reflecting on how expensive it has become to produce infrastructure in New Zealand and the waste that goes into projects that are thrown out after a change in government

From the ballooning costs of the Roads of National Significance(RoNS), and CRL or the money spent to develop Auckland Light Rail, Lets get wellington moving just for them to be dropped.

Consensus seems to be building around the need for a long term Pipeline to plan, stagger, and build agreement across parliament for future projects if we wish to get a better bang for our buck. And now, the governments new Major Transport Projects Pipeline, seems to be motioning towards this discussion.

Pundits say it is a walk back from many of the RoNS that National had comitted too after their costs became to much for the governemnt to manage.

But does the MTPP really reflect the needs of the nation? Does it still hold onto some projects whose costs have far out paced its benefits? Is New Zealand prone to over ambition and underachieving?

To understand the governemnts transport plan and get his perspective Wednesday Wire host Manny spoke to Director of the transport blog, Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie.

Milly sat down for a kōrero with Julien Pratt of Show Me The Body, to talk about their new album Alone Together. Whakarongo mai nei!

This week's show focuses on Björk's 4th studio album Vespertine, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Features additional tracks from Björk's output at the time, as well as from contemporary Icelandic artists such as Sigur Ros and múm. Also includes songs from other associated artists such as Massive Attack and Thievery Corporation!

Sofie and Ngaio are filling in on Freak the Sheep today! 100% homegrown tunes from Aotearoa, New Zealand, thanks to NZ On Air!

The 95bFM Top Ten. listen to find out if your favourite song made it on. listen to hear Kaitlyn not turn Ella's microphone on for a minute. listen to be awesome.

This week on the Wednesday Wire...

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Host Manny speaks with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the government's transport pipeline and the visit of controversial prime minister of India, Narendra Modi.

Producer Toby, speaks to Massey University Politics professor Dr. Richard Shaw about the Opportunity Party’s electoral strategy.

Then Producer Theo speaks to Kate Stone from Better Taxes for a better Future on how we can make a fairer tax system for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Finally, Manny speaks to Director of the transport blog Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie, about the government's change in transport policy.

With the ramp up to the election well underway, the tax system in Aotearoa New Zealand is unsurprisingly featuring prominently in many proposed party policies, and of course the ensuing robust exchanges.

However, with constant stories of deteriorating infrastructure and underfunded institutions and services, the current revenue stream for Aotearoa New Zealand would appear less-than-perfect to say the least. Simultaneously, we’re seeing a constant increase of inequality in our country.

To mitigate these issues, some have advocated for greater action to ensure wealthier individuals and corporations are paying their fair share. The Better Taxes for a Better Future coalition is one such group advocating for changes to our tax system. Consisting of a variety of organisations including unions, charities, and action groups, they’re campaigning for a fairer tax system. 

So, to learn more about the need for tax system reform, and what that might look like, Producer Theo spoke to the campaign manager for the Better Taxes for a Better Future coalition, Kate Stone.

You can find them at bettertaxes.nz, and sign their pledge to support better taxes in Aotearoa just here.

Rosetta and Milly chat with Phil about SMART recovery groups. Whakarongo mai nei! 

Thanks to The Level!

Mōrena e te whānau! E whai ake nei, coming up on the show: What's Up with Minister Mark Mitchell, Milly's kōrero with Julien Pratt from Show Me The Body, and What's The Buzz with Phil. Whakarongo mai nei!

Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Rosetta and Milly chat with Minister Mark Mitchell about Narendra Modi's visit to Aotearoa, and public submissions on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill. Whakarongo mai nei!