Last week, Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith made headlines over instances of interactions with news media over the reporting on crime numbers. After Police Minister Mark Mitchell expressed dissatisfaction over coverage in a story, Goldsmith first contacted the journalist responsible for the story, and was then called by TVNZ chair Andrew Barclay, where the story was briefly discussed, although Goldsmith has denied any involvement in editorial decisions, with a follow up story published later.
Last week also saw the release of the select committees final report on Youth Harm Online, which, along with a number of recommendations, has suggested that a ban on social for under 16 year olds could be on the cards, with the government echoing similar plans.
This week, Tuesday Wire Host Alex spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, beginning by briefly discussing last week's Curia Poll results and murmurs around Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s leadership.
Last week, National’s coalition partners in ACT and NZ First found themselves arguing over Air New Zealand; Specifically, over whether or not, during a time of struggle, the government should sell their shares in the company. National has sed that they are not currently considering any moves surrounding these shares.
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced yet more teacher training initiatives in order to bolster the education workforce, in addition to what she says is already the highest number of teachers since 2004, and the highest number of teachers in training.
The government has also spoken about the release of the newest New Zealand Crime and Victims survey, claiming that violent crime statistics going down proves the effectiveness of their tough on crime approach.
This week, Tuesday Wire Host Alex spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with those Air New Zealand Shares.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the government’s new provision for police, allowing them to issue move-on orders to rough sleepers and those displaying “disorderly behaviour” in cities throughout New Zealand.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced the government’s weakening of housing intensification plans in Auckland, reducing the maximum housing capacity from 2 million to 1.6 million.
The government has also taken its first step towards a new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, by disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment, a process they say will make policy and planning more productive across these sectors.
In Wellington, failure at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has led to millions of liters of wastewater being sent into the Cook Strait.
The incident has shed light on what scientific experts have been saying for years — that water infrastructure in New Zealand is out of date and incapable of handling the growing effect of climate challenges without deeper investment.
The Salvation Army released their State of the Nation report which has found an increase in issues across the justice system, child welfare, and poverty contributing to declining social equality in Aotearoa.
As well, NZ First leader Winston Peters is campaigning on a referendum on Māori seats in New Zealand.
Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with Moa Point.
On Thursday last week, politicians including Prime Minister Chris Luxon and ACT party leader David Seymour addressed the audience during the Waitangi Day events at the Treaty Grounds.
The theme this year was Mō tātou, mā tātou, which is for all of us and by all of us.
As well, the past week has seen various news updates in environmental legislation including the draft decision to reject consent for seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight, Greenpeace voicing concerns about a ‘kiwi killing clause’ in the proposed Natural Environment Bill, and a new Green Party bill calling to recognise the legal personhood of Tohorā — whales.
This week, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with Waitangi.
Following the US official withdrawal from the World Health Organisation, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has called into question New Zealand’s membership in the organisation.
With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warning of a “rupture” in the world order, political leaders in New Zealand are holding sharper focus on how we conduct ourselves internationally, especially with the United States.
This week, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about New Zealand’s relationship with the US, and our position on the global stage.
Last week's landslide at Mount Maunganui has had severe consequences on people and the environment. Producer Vihan spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about the landslide and the government's response to it, as well as it's response to climate change, in general.
More than 200 scientists, researchers and water professionals were involved in the development of a Water Research Roadmap, offering the government 20 priorities for development in the water sector.
Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Minister for Agriculture Todd McClay reported on their updated National Direction for Natural Hazards across New Zealand last week, as the government seeks public feedback on their resource management plan through the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill.
This all comes as the United Nations shared a bleak report on “the era of global water bankruptcy” in which they say that many water systems are being chronically and unsustainably overused — to the threat of global water security.
Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with water sector priorities in Aotearoa.
At the beginning of January, private health provider Manage My Health shared information about a data breach via a ransomware attack which impacted 125,000 patients, predominantly in Northland, where Health NZ uses Manage My Health to share information with patients.
Northland GPs and New Zealand health experts have called for better transparency around data security and awareness around the impact for patients.
Wire Host Sara spoke to National Party Hamilton MP, Ryan Hamilton, about this data breach, first by asking if he was concerned about the breach or the health provider’s response to it.
The Parliament’s Workforce and Education Committee has released an interim report on an inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders face online. The government has recently announced an overhaul of the Resource Management Act and introduced two new bills in its place, the Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill.
For our weekly catch-up with the National Party, Producer Vihan spoke to MP Carl Bates, who is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Workforce and Education Committee, about the new findings of the interim report, the new Natural Environment Bill, and the Fast Track Approval Amendments Bill.
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