The Wire with Nicholas

Two recent events have caused backlash against Eden Park. The confiscation of Palestinian flags from pro-Palestine protestors at the park, and the hosting of a Hindu Nationalist Rally attended by prominent New Zealand MPs.

Caeden spoke to GP, filmmaker, and activist Dr Sapna Samant about why these actions got backlash, and the consequences of ignoring Hindu Nationalism in Aotearoa New Zealand.

ME/CFS and Long COVID are both chronic diseases that can cause fatigue and memory loss. Researchers worldwide have referred to patients as the “missing millions” due to their inability to sustain employment from the illness, and are often neglected by health services. 

Olivia spoke to Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Otago, Warren Tate, about his research in this area. His study has shown that ME/CFS and Long COVID are closely related, meaning that further research and treatments can be for the benefit of both groups.

Ahead of the new school year, concerns have been raised about the high cost of compulsory school uniforms amid the rising cost of living.

New research has found that 20% of students in one school in a higher socioeconomic area worried about whether their parents could afford their uniform.

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Lecturer in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Dr Johanna Reidy, about what can be done to ensure students experience the benefits of school uniforms without added pressure on families.

Here is that interview.

In the tumult of last year's election campaign it seemed that there were a myriad of issues that got limited to no coverage time.

Amongst the issues that took a backseat was mental health care.

Statistics from 2021 showed an increase in people reporting poor mental wellbeing and as a country we ranked 38th in the world in child mental wellbeing in 2020.

An article titled “Some mental health advice for Minister Doocey“ was recently published by Newsroom. The article highlighted three key areas of focus for policy regarding mental health, with those priorities being;

Universal Health Coverage, Parity of Esteem for mental health services and reaching unreached populations.

Nicholas spoke to the article's author Dr Ian Soosay about his advice for the new Government’s mental health policy.