bCasts

This week on The Wednesday Wire...

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the Immigration Amendment Act, the axing of Fees Free and the potential increase in the pension age.

He then spoke to honorary associate professor working in the Pensions and Intergenerational Equity Hub at the Economics Policy Centre, Susan St John, about the pension age in more depth - why she opposes raising it and what alternatives she prefers.

Then Toby spoke to infectious disease expert Siouxsie Wiles from the University of Auckland about the Huntavirus.

And Theo spoke to Dr Ulrich Speidel from the University of Auckland’s School of Computer Science on the recently released government report on our undersea cable resilience and security.

We learnt a couple of things this week. We learnt that if we (Ella & Kaitlyn) were members of Flight of the Conchords, Ella would be Bret (obviously) and Kaitlyn would be Jemaine (duh). We also learnt what The 95bFM Top Ten for this week was. 

Check it out here! 

Last week the government announced plans to scrap the Broadcasting Standards Authority, the entity that serves to ensure television, radio, and internet broadcasters remain accountable to members of the public.

While the government saysit trusts broadcasters to self regulate, it’s unclear what this regulation could look like, especially without the all encompassing BSA to ensure that a universal standard is met. 

In addition, ACT Party Leader David Seymour has expressed dismay at some of the recent publications by state funded broadcasters TVNZ and RNZ. Since Seymour is one of the ministers responsible for appointing the board for each organisation, his comments and criticisms are being compared to threats of censorship. 

Lastly, the government has announced a new test for prospective immigrants to New Zealand, which would see them quizzed over topics relating to New Zealand values, our Bill of Rights, and our system of government. While the government is proposing this standard of knowledge for immigrants, many New Zealand citizens could be unable to answer the questions. 

For this weeks catchup with the National Party's Ryan Hamilton, News Director Castor asked about these topics, beginning with the BSA.

Since last year, firefighters have been carrying out hour-long rolling strikes every week, criticising the state of Fire and Emergency New Zealand and labelling the present situation a “Dire Emergency”. Firefighters have been calling for increased staffing,  better pay and healthcare and a modern vehicle fleet. With frequent appliance breakdowns and short staffing, there are concerns that New Zealand’s emergency services are stretched to capacity. Some are also requesting an independent inquiry into the management and funding of FENZ. 

Producer Liam spoke with Martin Campbell, National Vice President and Auckland Secretary of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union, about the ongoing industrial action, what issues the fire service and firefighters currently face and what the Professional Firefighters Union hopes can be achieved.