The Wire with Alex

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats with us about a new solar solution, the periodic table anniversary, and the latest research on human senses
For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamlilton about Wellington’s wastewater treatment plant failure, the State of the Nation, and NZ First’s call for a Māori seats referendum
For Green World, news-teamer Alex spoke to Nikolai Siimes, a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Auckland, about Biodynamic Alternatives to Fungicides
Producer Vihan spoke to the University of Auckland’s Shahper Richter on balancing AI and human values.

This week on the Monday Wire...

For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about Liquid Natural Gas imports and David Seymour’s State of the Nation speech. 

They also spoke to Professor Emeritus at Massey University, Ralph Sims, about the sustainability of an LNG terminal.

And they spoke to University of Auckland Professor of Electrical Engineering Nirmal Nair about how the LNG plans would benefit power companies. 

Producer Alex spoke to Professor Emeritus in Law at the University of Auckland, Jane Kelsey, about the ongoing rumblings around reforms within the World Trade Organisation, New Zealand’s role, and what changes to the organisation would mean for us.

He also spoke with Professor in Chemicals and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland, and Deputy Director of the Green Energy Engineering Centre, Brent Young, about the governments LNG terminal proposal, and what it means in the context of our wider approach to fixing our energy woes.

Over the course of the latest Trump Administration, numerous international organisations have found themselves in the President's crosshairs. The latest is the World Trade Organisation, with the US proposing a set of reforms that would consolidate their influence over the organisation, and reduce the limitations placed upon them. 

Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke with Professor Emeritus in Law at the University of Auckland, Jane Kelsey, about these reforms, particularly in regards to how New Zealand is positioning ourselves in these changes, and what they’ll mean for us.

Last Friday was Waitangi Day, with over 35,000 people visiting the Waitangi grounds on the day.

The fast-track approvals panel has turned down a bid from Trans-Tasman Resources to mine the Taranaki seabed.

And Labour’s Camilla Belich has lodged a joint members' bill with National MP Greg Fleming to combat modern slavery. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden asked MP Shanan Halbert about all of these topics.