A new paper on the global ocean observing system and how funding cuts may affect the quality of data it collects was released last week. The paper found that if the United States was to leave the system entirely, errors in data for how fast the ocean is warming could increase up to 163 percent.

The scientists behind the paper are warning that if defunding goes ahead it could undermine efforts to track warming and hurricanes, and forecast weather, increasingly important efforts as climate change’s impacts become worse.

To discuss the defunding of the global ocean observing system producer Thomas talked to honorary academic in physics from the university of Auckland Kevin Trenberth.

This week on the Monday Wire...

For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about the government’s recent bill seeking to define “man” and “woman” in law. 

And they spoke to Green Party Co-Leader and MP for Auckland Central, Chloe Swarbrick, about a proposal to remove the post office from Lambs Pharmacy on Karangahape Road. 

And Tuesday Wire host Alex spoke to President of the Post Primary Teachers Association, Chris Abercrombie, about the NCEA changes and how they could affect schools. 

Producer Thomas spoke to Forest and Bird acting general counsel May Downing about a challenge against the Tukituki water storage project consent extension.

He also talked to Honorary Academic in Physics from the University of Auckland Kevin Trenberth about funding cuts to the global ocean observing system

Earlier this month, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced details on the scheme replacing NCEA. The replacement, the New Zealand Certificate of Education, is aimed, according to the government, at tackling the ‘confusion’ of the current system. This will be the most recent of the government's changes to the education system, which have frequently been the target of criticism from teachers and education unions.

Tuesday Wire host Alex spoke with President of the Post Primary Teachers Association, Chris Abercrombie, about the replacement, and what it means for students and their teachers.

For City Counselling this week, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about a new AA members survey on time-of-use charging and Labour Leader Chris Hipkins ‘State of Auckland speech last week. 

And they spoke to Sapna Samant, who is a GP, storyteller, and activist critical of Indian Prime Minister Modi, about his expected visit to New Zealand later this year.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Producer Pranuja spoke with Shanan Halbert about public service cuts, Budget priorities, and changes to NCEA.

She spoke with Associate Dean Sione Taufa about how crypto investment schemes are spreading through trusted Pacific community networks.

She also spoke with Dr Mohsen Mohammadzadeh about the risks of using AI to streamline public sector jobs and services.

Crypto investment schemes are spreading across the Pacific, often through trusted family, church, and community networks. While they are promoted as offering financial freedom and fast returns, regulators have warned that some schemes carry serious risks and limited protections for investors.

Producer Pranuja spoke with Associate Dean Pacific Sione Taufa about how trust can be exploited in Pacific communities, why endorsement matters, and what people should know before investing.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Aotearoa New Zealand later this year.

The expected visit follows the signing of the trade agreement between India and New Zealand last month.

However, Prime Minister Modi is a controversial figure in Indian politics, largely for his religiously divisive policy and anti-Muslim speeches.

Wire Host Caeden spoke to Sapna Samant, GP, storyteller, and activist, who is critical of Indian Prime Minister Modi and his supporters in the diaspora, about his expected visit.

A survey of Automobile Association members' views on time-of-use charging has been presented to the Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee. 

The survey found that members were open to congestion charging if it worked, even if they thought it was unfair.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins gave a ‘State of Auckland’ speech last week, focusing on the need for cross-party collaboration on infrastructure projects.

Wire Host Caeden spoke with Councillor Shane Henderson about both of these topics.

As the Government looks to reduce public sector roles, there has been growing discussion around whether artificial intelligence could help streamline public services. But experts are warning that frustration around slow AI uptake should not override the need for proper safeguards and consideration of the workers most affected.

Producer Pranuja spoke with Dr Mohsen Mohammadzadeh, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning from the University of Auckland, about the risks of automating public sector work, the social consequences of AI, and what responsible implementation should look like.

The recent OECD report conducting an autopsy on the economy here in Aotearoa came back with huge concerns and transformative suggestions going forward. And while some, such as the suggestion to raise the age of superannuation, have been taken on board by the leading National Party, others, like a renewable energy transition, have been poo-pooed.

Current energy policy discussions in New Zealand have focused on liquid natural gas, also known as LNG, which needs to be stored in special conditions. The government is moving forward with plans to spend over a billion dollars on a terminal specially designed to import LNG into the country and fund it with a tax on electricity. But buying natural gas is no simple endeavour. Along with petrol, LNG prices are spiking at the moment, and standard practice is to set up to buy a regular contracted amount, which, due to limited storage conditions, may have to be used or risk costing us more.

To understand the ins and outs of the OECD report on energy policy, we got Emeritus Professor of Economics and former director of the Energy Centre, Basil Sharp, to sit down with Host Manny in the studio to share his concerns with LNG and his ideas to on how to reform the electricity market.

This week on the Wedne

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the changes to accommodation supplement eligibility, NZ First's proposal to buy BNZ, and the power of minor parties.

He then spoke to Emeritus Professor of Economics and former director of the Energy Centre, Basil Sharp, about the recent OECD report's findings on Aotearoa's energy policy.

Producer Theo spoke to Jake Lilley, the senior policy advisor for FinCap, on Afterpay’s recently publicised late fees revenue, and the issues of buy now pay later lending services.

Finally, News teamer Liam spoke to Professor Warwick Bagg, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Health Sciences at the University of Auckland, about the recently announced changes to undergraduate health programmes and what this will mean for students.