The Wire with Nicholas

This week for our catchup with Dr Reti, the discussion centred around the National Party’s commitment to repeal Labour’s smokefree 2025 plan.

As a part of their coalition agreement the National Party agreed to scrap legislation that would have reportedly saved thousands of lives as well as saving the New Zealand healthcare system 1.3 billion dollars over 20 years. 

The discussion began with questions regarding Dr Reti’s new ministerial appointments including his appointment as the minister for pacific peoples.

Nicholas began by asking him what his top priorities are in that portfolio.

This week, we are recommending our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori’s MP for Tāmaki Makaurau Takutai Kemp. Rosetta had a kōrero with Takutai about Te Pāti Māori’s success in the election, going from the previous two seats in parliament to 6 electorate seats this term. We spoke about her priorities for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate, the coalition agreement announcement from National, ACT and New Zealand First on Friday, and which policies Te Pāti Māori is most concerned about from the incoming government. Finally, they spoke about the party’s vocal stance on Palestinians in Gaza, including their calls to expel the Israeli and United States ambassadors.

The National, ACT and New Zealand First coalition government announced its coalition deal on Friday, and in the agreement is a pledge to repeal amendments to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 and regulations before March 2024. This decision would push back against legislation that works towards denicotisation, reducing retail outlets, and the goal of creating a smoke free generation. The decision comes as somewhat of a surprise, as the National Party’s Dr Shane Reti, who is set to be sworn in as the Minister for Health, has been vocal in his support of smokefree legislation in the past.

Health Coalition Aotearoa has released a briefing for the incoming government, and in it the group urges the government to implement the laws and reach the goal of Smokefree 2025. Rosetta spoke to Co-chair of the smoke-free expert advisory group for Health Coalition Aotearoa, and national tobacco advocacy lead for the national public health organisation Leitu Tufuga about the incoming coalition government’s decision to repeal a series of smoke-free legislation. They also discussed the disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority, as well as other health policies announced in the coalition agreements.

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This week we are recommencing our regular catch up with Te Pāti Māori MP for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate Takutai Kemp. Rosetta spoke to Takutai about Te Pāti Māori’s success in the election, their concerns regarding policies outlined in the National, ACT and New Zealand First coalition agreement announcement on Friday, and Te Pāti Māori’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Rosetta also spoke to Co-chair of the smoke-free expert advisory group for Health Coalition Aotearoa, and national tobacco advocacy lead for the national public health organisation Leitu Tufuga about the incoming coalition government’s decision to repeal a series of smoke-free legislation.

Rosetta also spoke to Shaun Greaves, executive director of Amnesty International Aotearoa, about the groups open letter to Prime Minister Elect Christopher Luxon, calling on the incoming government to support a ceasefire in Gaza.

In our Weekly Catch Up with the ACT Party, Lou spoke to Simon Court  about the results of the coalition being finalised, as well as discussing the public’s response to their Treaty Principles Bill and what that means for the ACT Party

Lou also spoke to Olivier Jutel about the news surrounding Binance’s CEO stepping down and pleading guilty to breaking US anti-money laundering laws.