The Wire with Manny

Globally, we’re seeing a large increase in the number of people who have been forcibly displaced - by the end of 2025 we saw numbers that were three times those from 15 years ago. Looking forward, estimates are that by 2050 we may see up to 216 million people displaced globally.

However, these increases have been accompanied by a decrease in protection - funding has shrunk from meeting just over half  of requirements in 2024 to just over a third in 2025.

Given this need, and the crises we’re witnessing globally, researchers at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies  - alongside World Vision New Zealand - have argued that New Zealand’s current ad hoc approach is not enough. Instead, they’ve proposed the adoption of an Emergency Protection Framework for Aotearoa New Zealand that would provide a more efficient, fair, and transparent pathway for refugees, consistent with New Zealand’s international, humanitarian, and ethical obligations.

So, to hear more on the need for this framework  - and what it would look like - producer Theo spoke with one of the authors of this proposed framework, the University of Auckland’s Dr Timothy Fadgen.

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. 

I 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.

Today on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chats with us about Japan’s Islands moving, nuclear clocks, and recycling with barcodes

For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Alex speaks with MP Ryan Hamilton about Housing Minister Chris Bishop’s comments on social housing, the potential end of the Iran War, and the Conservation Amendment Bill.

Producer Liam speaks to Professor Richard Easther about the government’s approach to science funding and the impacts that budget 2026 and other measures will have on science and scientists in New Zealand. 

Liam also also speaks to Professor Aeron Davis, about Keir Starmer’s recent resignation, how this came about and what we might expect the future of the labour party to look like, with the likely appointment of former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as Prime Minister.

After passing its first reading in May submissions are currently open for the conservation amendment bill, which would see up to 60 percent of current conservation land become open for sale as long as it's not considered important for threatened species. 

Additionally, the bill adds a new responsibility to the Department of Conservation to recognise and enable economic opportunities as much as possible from the land and resources it manages.

The bill has faced significant public pushback, with a recent poll finding that 64% of New Zealanders oppose it, including the majority of the current government coalition’s regular voters.

With submissions closing on the 2nd of July, producer Thomas spoke to University of Auckland Professor of conservation biology James Russell about the bill and its contentious proposals.