95bFM: The Wire

It seems that the United States continues to be a hot topic for many people and journalists following Trump’s inauguration. This is not only because of his intense challenging of the pre-established international order or his strong determination to turn the world into his view, but also with his alliances with prominent billionaires and tech entrepreneurs.

While he has been successful in his establishment of chaos to rouse the public while quietly enacting new policies fundamentally but slowly changing the country, questions arise around his right-hand man, Elon Musk, and his own personal agenda. It seems as though pretending to be a man of the internet and “i am become meme” archetype has not worked out for him, and he has shown his true colours much like other people in great positions of power and money.

Sasha spoke to Chris Ogden, Associate Professor from The University of Auckland about Elon Musk’s comments about the United States leaving the UN, the potential implications and stability of the world order shifting towards a multipolar governance.

There will be changes to Aotearoa's vape laws coming into effect on June 17, which aim to cut down on the high number of tamariki that are vaping.

Changes include a ban on displaying vape products in-store and online, with companies already exploring website redesigns and new customer engagement strategies to bypass the upcoming changes.

Producer Amani spoke to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation's Chief Executive Letita Harding on how companies are already searching for loopholes and an update on how Aotearoa is tracking in terms of "Smokefree Aotearoa 2025".

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats to us about an old meteorite crater in Aus, the ozone hole healing, and rat fat consumption linked to memory loss.

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, Wire Host Castor asked about changes to the health sector and recent targeting of woke legislation. 

They also spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Shiloh Groot, about increased homelessness in Aotearoa. 

Producer Amani spoke to the Respiratory Foundation’s Letitia Harding about changes to Aotearoa’s vaping legislation.

Homelessness is on the rise in Aotearoa over the past few months, particularly due to the high cost of living and rent costs. Wire Host Castor spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Shiloh Groot, about the causes and potential solutions for homelessness in Aotearoa.

The government has announced that it will introduce legislation for a four year parliamentary term - subject to referendum. 

Most parties are largely in favour of a four year term - feeling that it gives more opportunity to develop policy and make changes. 

However, exempt from this bill is Local Government, which also currently operates on a three year term. 

Local Government New Zealand are now also calling for a four year term, saying the legislation provides a strong opportunity for central and local government to become aligned. 

On Friday, Producer Evie spoke to Chair of Local Government NZ’s electoral reform working group, Nick Smith about why they are continuing to call for these changes.

Bowel Cancer NZ has called the changes to screening ‘a step backwards for health equity.’ 

Māori face 50% and Pacific peoples 63% higher death rates from the disease once diagnosed. Māori, in particular, are diagnosed with bowel cancer an average of 10 years earlier than the general population.The organisation says a standard screening age does not adequately address the increased risk that Māori and Pasifika communities face.

Just one week earlier Bowel Cancer New Zealand presented proposals to the Health Minister -  detailing how parity with Australia – which screens from age 45 – could be fully achieved. 

The proposals also outlined how to ensure equitable screening access for Māori and Pacific communities, who face bowel cancer risk a decade earlier.

On Friday, Producer Evie spoke to Bowel Cancer NZ Chief Executive Peter Huskinson about the changes to screening and what impacts it will have on patients.

Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, in studio to discuss big life changes facing new university students.

Canadian-born billionaire James Grenon, after recently purchasing a 9.3% share of NZME; the media company that owns The Herald, as well as roughly half the country's radio stations, including Newstalk ZB, has announced plans to clear the NZME board and add himself, alongside three other directors, only keeping one of the original board members in their position.

This has resulted in concerns about whether Grenon will add his own political stances into media coverage of NZME platforms, especially in light of his involvement with the alternative media site, The Centrist, that has previously criticised the news coverage of The Herald.

News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Director of E Tū Union; a union representing many journalists at NZME, Michael Wood, about his concerns with this move, and whether he believes there is an ulterior motive regarding these developments.

Firstly, they started off by asking him about what we know about James Grenon.

This week on the Monday Wire...

For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori’s Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host Joel, spoke to her about the coalition government’s free school lunch programme, and the recent comments from Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, regarding this, the first reading of The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill, and changes made to free bowel cancer screening.

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, Joel spoke to him about the changes to free bowel cancer screening, NCEA testing, and the Labour Party’s portfolio reshuffle.

Producer Evie spoke to the Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ, Peter Huskinson, on the changes to free bowel cancer screening, and his organisation’s opinion that this move will be “a step backwards for health equity,” for Māori and Pacific people.

Joel spoke to the Director at E Tū Union, Michael Wood, about Canadian-born billionaire James Grenon purchasing 9.3% shares at NZME, which owns media outlets such as The Herald and Newstalk ZB, and the union’s concerns regarding this move.

Evie spoke to the Chair of Local Government New Zealand’s electoral reform working group, Nick Smith, on calls to make local governments four-year terms, in light of government introducing a four year parliamentary term.

And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss major life changes for young people in Aotearoa.

Whakarongo mai! 

Earlier this week, an investigation was launched into the school lunch programme after baked-in plastic was found in several lunches. 

However, principals say the programme has already had various issues since Associate Education Minister David Seymour switched providers as a cost-saving measure last year.

And the coalition government is set to introduce legislation that would give the option of 4 year parliamentary terms.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy LeaderCarmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.