Former Wire host Christina Huang is back to her old stomping grounds for a special guest spot on the Tuesday Wire.

In exciting news, the team welcomed brand new Dear Science co-host Dr Joel Rindelaub from UoA. This week, Joel chatted to Christina and producer Emily about air pollution and gut health, diamond rain on icy planets, and the complex social structures that dolphins can form, which can apparently get quite freaky!

Christina spoke to Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick about Sunday's allegations of sub-standard living conditions in motels used as emergency housing on Rotorua's Fenton Street.

She also spoke to Dr Shane Reti for the Wire's weekly catch-up with the National Party. This week, they discussed the Rotorua emergency housing crisis, youth crime and the banning of petrol cars.

Emily spoke to Asuka Burge from the New Zealand Blood Service about the need for plasma donors.

She also spoke to Sarah Pritchett from WasteMINZ about food waste minimisation efforts at the consumer and retail levels.

Finally, Christina wrapped up the show with a chat to University of Auckland student Viviana Becker about the recent Chilean referendum to implement a new constitution.

Whakarongo mai nei!