Our Wire Worry Week topic is the monarchy. The Kingitanga movement arose in the 1850s to establish a role similar to the role of the British monarch and help halt alienation of Maori land. News director Lillian spoke with Huirama Matatahi, a kaitiaki at Turangawaewae marae, who focuses on connecting youth with the kingitanga movement through Te Kahui Rangatahi.
Producer Laura, speaks with National President of the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, Jonathan Gee about how the housing crisis is affecting students in amongst the housing market. She then speaks to members of the bFM news team and students, Jack Marshall and Jennifer Rose Tamati on their experiences living as students out of home.
This week there have been reports about the uncertainties around Housing New Zealand's policy as to offenders on bail or parole staying in state housing. Jemima spoke with the Director of JustSpeak, Tania Sawicki Mead, about this issue. They discussed why offenders on bail or parole should have access to state housing and whether there is a stigma that currently exists that prevents this.
Next year will be the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's arrival and a number of events are being organised to celebrate this. Glenis Philib-Barbara nō Te Tai Rawhiti is helping to complexify the arrival narrative and offer more educational based events. Lillian Hanly spoke with her about her work to include recognition of the region’s pre-European history, and that using the word ‘discovered’ when it comes to Cook and Aotearoa is not something she gels with.
Dotted around the country are reminders of New Zealand’s colonial past in the form of statues. Many of the people in these statues committed atrocities in their time and their legacies are being reevaluated. Lachlan spoke with Dr Hirini Kaa from the University of Auckland about these statues, what they represent, and what should be done about them in 2018.
This week on the Wire we're looking at War and Colonial Memorials with yesterday being ANZAC day. Jemima spoke with Edwina Hughes, who is the coordinator for Peace Movement Aotearoa, about White Poppies for Peace. They discussed why people wear white poppies and why they are different to the RSA's red poppies. Jemima first asked Edwina, what are white poppies and why do people choose to wear them?