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This week on Sages of the Ages the wizards have been struck off course! What was going to be 1984 is now 2020, and they have to deal with the consequences. As musicians over the world go through multiple waves of COVID lockdowns, we get to hear new tunes from the likes of Jean Dawson, Phoebe Bridgers, and Khruangbin. Hosts Alex and Castor also bring you the latest on a strange hue for Auckland, landmine-free Falklands, and the obvious. See you in 2013! Whakarongo mai!

This morning Sofie steers the show solo with entirely ANIMAL themed tunes (song titles and / or artist names!) Dogs, cats, swans, panthers--the studio is transformed into a bit of a zoo, with recommendations flowing in from our dedicated listeners / temporary zookeepers! Whakarongo mai nei, you don't want to miss this Teen Freak Creature Feature!

Kirsten chats with Rosetta and Milly about villain anthems! Whakarongo mai nei!

Maya caught up with Phoebe Mills and Jade Findlay, two of the artists from Poached Gallery's upcoming group exhibition, How Long Will This Take. And Sof caught up with Nova Paul about her latest 16mm film, Puawānanga, currently showing at the Arts House Trust at Pah Homestead.  Whakarongo maiiiii x

Kia ora! Chris Fowlie joins HALFQUEEN for Marijuana Media, thanks to The Hemp Store! Also! HALFQUEEN shares some very exciting news! Thanks to The Beer Spot!

Charlie shares tips for perfecting your moka pot brew! Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Ata mārie! E whai ake nei, coming up on the show today: Travelling Tunes with Dr Kirsten Zemke, This Is How We Brew It with Charlie, From The Crate with Cam from Southbound, prizes, and more! Whakrongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Cam is up in the studio chatting with Rosetta and Milly about the latest releases out on the shelves at Southbound this week! Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to Southbound Records!

Nova Paul (Te Uriroroi, Te Parawhau, and Te Māhurehure ki Whatitiri, Ngāpuhi) is a Tāmaki-based filmmaker, whose filmmaking practice weaves matauranga Māori and her Ngāpuhi whakapapa with early cinematic and experimental film processes. A materially led practice, Paul’s recent black-and-white 16mm films engage a process of hand-developing with plants, using the leaves of the rakau that are her film’s subjects to create a film developer.  Her latest 16mm film currently showing at the Arts House Trust at Pah Homestead, Puawānanga, centres around the puawānanga plant both thematically and in the process of making the film itself. Adopting this almost collaborative process with puawānanga, Paul not only visually captures its blossoming within the film – its flowers dancing across the screen and with the wind – but lets the plant give us the image itself, as an act of surrender to the ngahere. What it produces are these beautiful physical imprints of the plant onto the film – the puawānanga etching its aesthetic footprint, creating this super textural element to the work and letting colour bleed through, creating these really beautiful soft blues that reveal themselves throughout, emerging out of the image and back into it – where filmmaking and spirit are intertwined vessels, as a window into revealing the mauri of the plant.  Sof had a kōrero with Nova Paul about her film Puawānanga and her overall practice

How Long Will This Take is Poached Galleries inaugural exhibition, showcasing the respective practices of Phoebe Mills, Jade Findlay, Jess Wilcken and Jasper Miller. The show brings together each of their practices like actors on the stage. Their artworks personify into characters performing beneath the lights. Various dialogues emerging between works, an unfixed narrative unfolding as one moves around the space.  Maya caught up with two of the artists from the exhibition Phoebe Mills and Jade Findlay ahead of the exhibition. Phoebe Mills is a Tāmaki-based multidisciplinary artist, whose work explores the notion of observing characters and symbols that arise out of her practice. Attempting to archive these players and their motifs  through various forms of engraving, drawing, casting and painting—an attempt that often seeps into the very disolution of their origins. Jade Findlay is a Tāmaki-based artist whose practice is driven by the exploration of materiality, scale and installation. Seeking to insight a sense of play amongst the works, almost daring the viewer to touch—to physically insert oneself onto the work. Silicone, glass, steel, brass, wood, ceramic and plaster, a coming together of textural senses that are then placed into these depictions of  bodily processes teasing the viewer into the act of play.

Penelope Noir tells Rosetta and Milly all about straw hats, and the straw hat riots! Whakarongo mai nei!

This month on Just What The DoC Ordered, Rosetta and Milly chat with biodiversity ranger Georgia Pringle, about her show at Basement Theatre, Nature Brain. Whakarongo mai nei!

For Marijuana Media this week, Chris chats about a cop dumping cannabis evidence because he wasn't 'bothered', a woman in Rotorua being sentenced for supplying cannabis oil, a study from Thailand showing evidence that cannabis tea improves sleep and happiness, newly announced ACT Party candidate and former broadcaster, Paul Henry's views on decriminalising marijuana, and Sam Neill's efforts regarding cannabis, in light of his passing. Thanks to The Hemp Store!

The Government is considering allowing providers to raise domestic course fees by up to 6% in 2027. Consultation closed on 13 July, and the minister is yet to make a final decision. Because the cap was also 6% in 2025 and 2026, students could face a cumulative increase of roughly 19% across three years where providers apply the maximum.  In other news, the Waitākere Indian Association report estimates that Indians’ economic activity contributed $37.3 billion in GDP and supported 220,910 full-time-equivalent jobs in the year to March 2025. It also calls for better recognition of migrant skills, professional pathways and stronger education and talent links with India.  The report launched in Auckland just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in 40 years, elevating the NZ-India relationship to a strategic partnership, including stronger defence and maritime cooperation. Producer Pranuja spoke with Shanan Halbert on these topics.

A new Infometrics report, commissioned by the Waitākere Indian Association, estimates that Kiwi-Indian businesses, households, international students and visitors contributed $37.3 billion to GDP in the year to March 2025. The report highlights the economic power of Kiwi-Indians and argues that New Zealand could be making better use of the community’s skills, calling for improved recognition of overseas qualifications and greater support for migrant-owned businesses. The report launched in Auckland just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in 40 years. Producer Pranuja attended the launch and spoke to community leaders, economists and politicians about what the findings mean and whether closer ties with India will translate into meaningful benefits for Kiwi Indians. Producer Pranuja spoke to President of the Waitākere Indian Association Sunil Kaushal, Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics Brad Olsen, Secretary of the Waitākere Indian Association Sanjay Dutt Sharma, Labour’s immigration spokesperson and Te Atatū MP Phil Twyford, and Minister for Auckland, Revenue, Climate Change and Local Government Simon Watts. To find out more on the report, go to kiwiindians.nz.

Milly sat down for a kōrero with Julien Pratt of Show Me The Body, to talk about their new album Alone Together. Whakarongo mai nei!

Rosetta and Milly chat with Minister Mark Mitchell about Narendra Modi's visit to Aotearoa, and public submissions on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill. Whakarongo mai nei!

The 95bFM Top Ten. listen to find out if your favourite song made it on. listen to hear Kaitlyn not turn Ella's microphone on for a minute. listen to be awesome.

Mōrena e te whānau! E whai ake nei, coming up on the show: What's Up with Minister Mark Mitchell, Milly's kōrero with Julien Pratt from Show Me The Body, and What's The Buzz with Phil. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

  Ahead of the CRL’s much anticipated opening later this year, many people have been reflecting on how expensive it has become to produce infrastructure in New Zealand and the waste that goes into projects that are thrown out after a change in government From the ballooning costs of the Roads of National Significance(RoNS), and CRL or the money spent to develop Auckland Light Rail, Lets get wellington moving just for them to be dropped. Consensus seems to be building around the need for a long term Pipeline to plan, stagger, and build agreement across parliament for future projects if we wish to get a better bang for our buck. And now, the governments new Major Transport Projects Pipeline, seems to be motioning towards this discussion. Pundits say it is a walk back from many of the RoNS that National had comitted too after their costs became to much for the governemnt to manage. But does the MTPP really reflect the needs of the nation? Does it still hold onto some projects whose costs have far out paced its benefits? Is New Zealand prone to over ambition and underachieving? To understand the governemnts transport plan and get his perspective Wednesday Wire host Manny spoke to Director of the transport blog, Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie.

With the ramp up to the election well underway, the tax system in Aotearoa New Zealand is unsurprisingly featuring prominently in many proposed party policies, and of course the ensuing robust exchanges. However, with constant stories of deteriorating infrastructure and underfunded institutions and services, the current revenue stream for Aotearoa New Zealand would appear less-than-perfect to say the least. Simultaneously, we’re seeing a constant increase of inequality in our country. To mitigate these issues, some have advocated for greater action to ensure wealthier individuals and corporations are paying their fair share. The Better Taxes for a Better Future coalition is one such group advocating for changes to our tax system. Consisting of a variety of organisations including unions, charities, and action groups, they’re campaigning for a fairer tax system.  So, to learn more about the need for tax system reform, and what that might look like, Producer Theo spoke to the campaign manager for the Better Taxes for a Better Future coalition, Kate Stone. You can find them at bettertaxes.nz, and sign their pledge to support better taxes in Aotearoa just here.  

The Opportunity Party has experienced a surge of support in the lead-up up to this year's election, and for the first time in the party's 10-year history, it appears that they may actually enter parliament. The latest poll puts them at 4.7% of the popular vote, tantalisingly close to the 5% threshold required to get their list MPs. The leader, Qiulae Wong, is explicit about her goal of replacing Winston Peters as New Zealand’s political kingmaker, and a major part of the party’s strategy has been to position themselves as centrists willing to work with either side of the house. To analyse this strategy, and imagine how TOP’s entry into parliament could change the political landscape, producer Toby spoke to Dr. Richard Shaw, Professor in Politics at Massey University.

  Ahead of the CRL’s much anticipated opening later this year, many people have been reflecting on how expensive it has become to produce infrastructure in New Zealand and the waste that goes into projects that are thrown out after a change in government. Consensus seems to be building around the need for a consistent pipeline that staggers works to maintain a consistent flow for industry and build agreement across parliament. This week has seen the government introduce their Major Transport Projects Pipeline, or MTPP which in many ways motions towards this debate while also taking a step back from many roads whose costs have ballooned. But how do opposition parties feel about this this Policy? Has agreement been found? And this week, the visit of controversial Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked opposition from two radically differing sides, from those concerned with India's human rights record to those hostile to migration from India. So for this week’s catch-up with the Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez March, we discuss the Green Party's issues with the new MTPP and the political climate that has surrounded Modi’s visit.  

Rosetta and Milly chat with Phil about SMART recovery groups. Whakarongo mai nei!  Thanks to The Level!

This week's show focuses on Björk's 4th studio album Vespertine, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Features additional tracks from Björk's output at the time, as well as from contemporary Icelandic artists such as Sigur Ros and múm. Also includes songs from other associated artists such as Massive Attack and Thievery Corporation!

Sofie and Ngaio are filling in on Freak the Sheep today! 100% homegrown tunes from Aotearoa, New Zealand, thanks to NZ On Air!

Lara chats with Rosetta and Milly about Modi's visit, and Winston Peters' response to China's missile test in the Pacific. Whakarongo mai nei!

Ata mārie! E whai ake nei: Whakataukī o Tēnei Wiki with Arini Loader, and Loose Reads with Nate! Plus heaps of tunes, prizes, yarns and more. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Today on Ready Steady Learn, Rosetta and Milly chat with Dr Maude Loutsch about her research in the importance of legal protections for people's right to housing during extreme weather events and natural disasters. Whakarongo mai nei!

It's Rosetta and Milly's ONE YEAR OF BREAKFAST ANNIVERSARY To celebrate, they're going back to back choosing favourite songs from a year of radio. Plus Political Commentary with Lara, and Ready Steady Learn thanks to UoA. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

Heading into the nineteenth week of the US-Iran War, there is still little sign of an upcoming end to the conflict. Despite mentions of a ceasefire, United States President Donald Trump has regularly changed his diplomatic stance between war and peace, and just today launched new strikes and another naval blockade on Iran. Amidst this, the Trump administration has been accused of insider trading and war profiteering, with reports of well-timed stock trades and bets on prediction markets made just minutes before major announcements by Trump.  I spoke to Van Jackson, Associate Professor in International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington, about the extent of war profiteering in modern warfare, reports of insider trading amongst the Trump administration, and New Zealand's place in this system. 

On this week's edition of Audio Culture, Martyn Pepperell joins Big J to talk about Jazz in the year 2025, aka Modern Jazz. And a 1, 2, 3, 4.... Thanks to Audioculture

This week on Dear Science, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin, chats with us about the gut biome and radiation treatments, the resilience of native forests, and multitasking. Thanks to MOTAT - Home of Powerful Play!

Kia ora everyone, Thanks so much for tuning in to today’s show. The usual smörgåsbord of indie, electronica and psych this morning… Highlights: System Olympia, LA Priest and Four Tet. And heaps more!  We are using a temporary set-up at the minute so please excuse any technical hiccups on my part. Big love and catch you all next week Thanks to The Tuning Fork!

Last week, for the first time in years, the OCR was raised by 25 basis points to TWO POINT FIVE percent. This comes as the reserve bank looks to work against inflation as growth is set to continue, in the context of the uncertainty of any ceasefire in Iran. Last week also saw chatter about the Ocean of Peace Alliance, between Fiji and Australia, and the potential for New Zealand to play a role in that alliance in a pacific focused foreign affairs approach. And finally, last week saw Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlight and announce changes to what he admitted was an ‘ambitious’ policy with the government’s roads of national significance, introducing a new roadmap and pipeline for the funding to be rolled out overtime. Host Alex speaks with National Party MP Ryan Hamilton about these topics.

This week on the Tuesday Wire... For Dear Science this week, we chat with our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin, about the Gut microbiome and radiation, the resilience of native forest, and multitasking. For our weekly catchup with the National Party, host Alex speaks with MP Ryan Hamilton about the OCR rate changing, the Ocean of Peace Alliance, and changes to Roads of National Significance. For Green World this week, producer Liam with Greenpeace Aotearoa's Senior Campaigner Gen Toop about their upcoming March for Nature, which will be held in Auckland on September 19, as well as reflections on the government's policies towards nature and the environment.  And Liam also talked to Associate Professor Van Jackson from Victoria University of Wellington, about how war profiteering and insider trading has played out in the US-Iran war and other international conflicts, who is benefiting from the current climate of war, and how New Zealand is involved in this system. 

On Saturday 19th of September at 1:00 PM, the March for Nature will take place in Auckland at Aotea Square. This rally, organised by Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest and Bird, is intended to push back against what they call the coalition government’s “War on Nature”, in particular the recent Conservation Amendment Bill which threatens to make up to 60% of New Zealand’s public conservation land available for sale.  I spoke with Gen Toop, Senior Campaigner for Greenpeace Aotearoa, about the March for Nature, why it is happening now and what she hopes it can achieve. 

Arini is back, just in time to deliver a beautiful whakataukī for te tau hou Māori! Whakarongo mai nei! Matariki hunga nui // Matariki gathers us all.

Nate is back up in the studio for Loose Reads! Today on the show, he chats with Rosetta and Milly about Yáng Shuāng-zǐ's Taiwan Travelogue - whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to Timeout Bookstore!

In the latest Public Health Communication Centre briefing, researchers have warned that New Zealand's reliance on volatile fuel prices is increasing the country's transport poverty issue.  The briefing outlined how households already spend an average of $252 dollars per week or 15.7% of their total expenditure on transport, and fuel price increases from recent conflict in the Middle East have added $65 a week on average to these costs.  Higher transport poverty can force people to choose between essential trips, such as grocery shopping or medical appointments, leading to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. The briefing recommended several long-term, systemic solutions that focus on reducing New Zealand's reliance on private vehicles and fuels, rather than just short-term relief.    To discuss transport poverty and the recommendations in the report, producer Thomas spoke to University of Otago Associate Professor Angela Curl.  

Currently, to be awarded NCEA at any level, students need to take a numeracy and reading test in year 10. According to a Qualifications Authority report, many students have yet to pass it due to its contextual and challenging nature. However, starting in 2028, the Ministry of Education will replace the numeracy test and NCEA as a whole with two new national qualifications: the New Zealand Certificate of Education for Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education for Year 13. As for the standard numeracy test of year 10, it will be replaced with a new qualification called the “foundational award”, which will be taken during year 11 instead.  Many are concerned that the new “foundational award” will be harder on students, with higher stakes. Leading to more implications down the line. To learn more about this change, the differences between the examinations and their possible future implications, producer Jude spoke with University of Auckland Senior Lecturer, Dr Lisa Darragh.

This week on the Monday Wire...  For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about ACT’s proposed three strikes rule for burglaries and the party’s thoughts on the Green Party’s new fertiliser and water infrastructure policies.  Producer Thomas spoke to University of Otago Associate Professor of public health Angela Curl about transport poverty caused by the fuel crisis and potential solutions. And Producer Jude spoke with Senior Lecturer of Education and Social Practice at the University of Auckland, Dr Lisa Darragh, about changes to NCEA and their possible future implications.

Oto and Jaycee talks to Singaporean Alt-Pop Artist Leon Markcus about his brand new single "Laundromat" 

The multitalented Fen Ikner joined us for a chat. Fans of ripper Kiwi tunes will recognise Fen as one quarter of Lips. What you may not know is that Fen is also one whole of a man with a rich past, including a stint in the Buffalo-based post-hardcore supergroup Knife Crazy, who are releasing their second album 20 years in the making!

Professor Emeritus Peter Lineham joined us with another fascinating topic: religion in North Korea.

It’s Crawley Monday, and Matthew and Harry are back! It’s all happening at 95bFM--the move is in progress, and this week we’re broadcasting from the transitory schtudio. We battled a bit, but it wouldn’t be a true blue Monday Drive without a bit of battling, and we always make it through in the end. Matariki weekend was festive for both of us. We fawned over the fantastical Exploding Rainbow Orchestra performance on Sunday, and Harry made a spooky goblin lighter cover. The multitalented Fen Ikner joined us for a chat. Fans of ripper Kiwi tunes will recognise Fen as one quarter of Lips. What you may not know is that Fen is also one whole of a man with a rich past, including a stint in the Buffalo-based post-hardcore supergroup Knife Crazy, who are releasing their second album 20 years in the making! Professor Emeritus Peter Lineham joined us with another fascinating topic: religion in North Korea. Mr Matthew Crawley also paid a short and sweet tribute to the late Sam Neill. Rest in peace. Ngā mihi The Beer Spot.

Last week the ACT Party announced a three strikes policy for burglaries. The policy would penalise those who commit three instances of burglary or are convicted three times of burglary, with a punishment of three years in prison. The ACT Party says this will decrease the total number of burglaries, but evidence is unconvincing on the success of three strikes policies as a deterrent.  Also in recent weeks, the Green Party announced its policy for water management, which included particular attention to fertilisers and nitrate levels. The ACT Party has been highly critical of this policy, rejecting the Green Party argument about environmental impact and noting the necessity of synthetic fertilisers for modern food production.  For this week’s catchup with the ACT Party’s Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these topics, beginning with three strikes. Due to audio and connectivity issues, the interview was cut short before the two had the chance to properly discuss water infrastructure and nitrate levels.

This week's show featured new music from the Rolling Stones, Alabama Shakes, Suede and more. 

Matariki weekend! Danny the Champion of the World continues, plus we listen to a lovely Matariki story and chat about the long weekend.

Another grand night of classic folk and country music. Thanks to our sponsor Studio 1 Vintage Guitars, go and see them at Victoria Park Market.