The Wire with Caeden

Following the release of the budget and the reports that thousands more civil servants would be losing their jobs to ‘right size’ the government, a bill quickly passed under urgency to allow automated decision making through out the social security system in NZ.

The Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill 2026 was passed in two days, circumventing the usual processes that would enable public consultation and lacking the parliamentary discussion intended to catch issues that before they arise and build in guardrails.

The unleashing of automated decision making in welfare and the lack of consultation has risen fears that we may be setting ourselves up to catastrophically fail our most vulnerable with several pundits bringing up similarities to Australia's experience doing something similar - the Robodebt scandal.

So Wire host Manny spoke to Visiting Fellow at the Australia University’s Crawford School of Public Policy, Dr Jacob Priergaard to learn about what happened in Australia when automated decision making went so wrong, and how we could avoid that here.

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has now been detected in two dead birds that washed up on Australian shores. The first positive detection last week marked a major milestone - the avian influenza strain has now been found on all continents across the globe.

For New Zealand, and its already threatened population of endemic avian wildlife, the virus poses a potentially catastrophic threat. Given the virus’ jump to mammals, including dairy cows in the United States, our primary industries may be placed in a potentially perilous position as well.

However the finding also brings with it an important reminder, that New Zealand cannot rely on its geographical isolation and become complacent with the transmission of global viruses.

However, that isolation has brought us some time. So, to learn more about the steps New Zealand is taking, and the trajectory of the virus so far, producer Theo spoke with the University of Otago’s Professor Jemma Geoghegan.

If you do spot three or more sick or dead wild birds, marine mammals or other wildlife, call the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

This description has been edited to include a response from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment. 

Scientists in New Zealand have faced increased cuts to science funding in the last few years, with the removal of the Marsden fund for blue-sky research and further cuts announced in this year's budget, with a greater emphasis placed on research commercialisation and funds controlled by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise. 

Producer Liam spoke with Professor Richard Easther, head of the Department of Physics at the University of Auckland, about what impact the current government’s policies have had on science and what this means for the future of science in New Zealand.

ADDENDUM:

The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment reached out to 95bFM shortly after this interview aired to respond to some of the claims made by Easther. These responses were discussed in this interview with General Manager of Science, Systems, and Performance at MBIE, Danette Olson. 

An additional response from Deputy Head of the New Zealand Space Agency, Andrew Johnson, discussed the MethaneSat mission. This response is presented in full:

While it’s undoubtedly disappointing the MethaneSat mission ended early, the mission has delivered space infrastructure that New Zealand previously did not have and has also elevated our scientific partnerships internationally.

The Misson Operations Control Centre (MOCC) at the University of Auckland’s Te Pūnaha Ātea – Space Institute is currently flying a cubesat, TPA-1. The MOCC will also be used to fly the Space Institute’s upcoming cubesat mission, TPA-2, partly funded through the Kiwi Space Activator pilot programme. The MOCC has built important capabilities among researchers and students, inspiring the next generation of space innovators.

It has been well canvassed that the technical failure was outside of New Zealand’s control and within the bounds of accepted risk in space missions. Importantly, the sensor - MethaneSAT’s most innovative element - performed exceptionally well and delivered meaningful science data which New Zealand researchers are utilising now.

An independent expert with experience in space missions found MBIE’s decision to rely on MethaneSAT LLC’s design, procurement, and risk management processes as outlined in the review was reasonable.

As the MBIE review report found last year, we acknowledge there were areas we need to improve for future missions, including in relation to public communications and setting clear public expectations for high-profile space investments.

Last week, during Scrutiny Week, Housing Minister Chris Bishop was asked about the government's changes to social housing rent in this year's budget, prompting an explanation and defence for this government’s approach to social housing.

Last week also saw the tangible possibility of a peace deal between the US and Iran emerge, with talks progressing between the two parties to bring conflict to a close. THis, of course, will have an effect on New Zealand’s fuel situation, with the fuel crisis caused by the conflict having widespread effects on the country.

And the Conservation Amendment Bill has roused concern and criticism over what some worry will lead to the selling off of large chunks of conservation land, despite the Government’s comments to the contrary, as it seeks to how Conservation land is organised, and how it can be sold.

Host Alex spoke with National Party MP Ryan Hamilton about these topics, starting with Minister Chris Bishop and the government's social housing changes.