95bFM

Backshotz is a 7 piece psychedelic indie rock outfit hailing from Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, made up of a diverse group of brilliant musicians and lead by frontman Varit of Thai origin.

For the first episode of WALAO! Oto and Jaycee interviewed Backshotz to talk about their origins, musical process and Asian representation in the musical landscape of Aotearoa.

For the first ever episode of WALAO! Oto and Jaycee interviewed local Tāmaki Makaurau indie rock outift Backshotz for a chat about their musical process and asian representation in the music scene here in Aotearoa.

They also had a chat about Budot music in the Philippines and it's spread through TikTok.

And, of course, they played 2 hours of the best independent music from Southeast-Asia and the diaspora abroad.

Boogie 45s

Last year, the University of Auckland conducted a study into how compostable products affect soil health, which was commissioned by the Ministry of Environments.

THREE new reports have been published about the findings, which advocate for better regulations around these products.

Wire Host Joel spoke to PhD Candidate in Environmental Sciences at the University of Auckland, Nargiss Taleb, about the fundings of the study, and what this means for soil quality.

On Friday producer Evie also talked to criminology lecturer at the University of Auckland Emmy Rakete, who is Ngāpuhi, about her concerns surrounding the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki act. 

We also talked about the Ngāpuhi hikoi taking place today in opposition to the act, and what they believe the government should be doing next.

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, Producer Evie speaks to him about the proposed repeal of section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act.

She also speaks to Criminology Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Emmy Rākete (Ngāpuhi) about her concerns surrounding the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki act, about the Ngāpuhi hīkoi taking place in opposition of the act.

She also spoke with Lecturer in Counselling, Human Services and Social Work at the University of Auckland Kendra Cox, about the government’s youth offender boot camps that kicked off last week, and her concerns on how this will affect rangatahi Māori and their mental health.

News and Editorial Director and Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Palestine Solidarity Network Aoteaora National Chair, John Minto, about the 24 pro-Palestinian protests at occured across Aotearoa over the weekend.

And they spoke to PhD Candidate in Environmental Sciences at the University of Auckland, Nargiss Taleb, about experts calling for stricter standards surrounding compostable products.

Earlier this year legislation was introduced to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. Section 7AA emphasises the importance of Māori youth being placed with families that represent their whakapapa, as well as honour principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

The ACT Party, and Minister for Children Karen Chhour say this section is putting children in danger, removing them from stable families to place them instead with whanau that align with their whakapapa and iwi. 

Oranga Tamariki say there is no empirical evidence to support these claims - causing widespread backlash, with many believing the move is simply pushing the ACT party’s ideologies. 

Today Ngāpuhi, Aotearoa’s largest iwi are on a hikoi to parliament in opposition to this repeal, saying it will disadvantage Māori rangatahi, who make up the majority of those in state care. 

For their weekly catch up producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about the intentions of the repeal, and the party’s feelings around the backlash.

Last week the government finally launched their Youth Offender Military Academies, more commonly known as ‘boot camps’. 

Since their announcement, the idea of the camps has caused a lot of concern surrounding their effectiveness and treatment of youth. 

The first camp has taken in 10 youth, nine of which are Māori. 

In Aotearoa’s history as well as globally, there is repeated evidence that a tough approach to boot camps hasn’t been effective in lowering youth crime, or rehabilitating the youth involved. 

On top of this, the release of the royal commission of inquiry into abuse in state care last week has amplified concerns that these boot camps may contribute to a cycle of abuse, particularly for Māori youth. 

Producer Evie spoke to lecturer in counselling, human services and social work at the University of Auckland Kendra Cox about what these boot camps may look like, and the potential impact they’ll have on Māori youth.

Frances Chan is inspired by Herbie Hancock and the OG Headhunters band ahead of attending their 50th anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl in August, plus Louis Cole’s album launch. There’s also Romani jazz, Latin flavours and local heroes.

Setlist: