Oto talked to Tāmaki Makaurau singer-songwriter of Bangladeshi origin, Sabreen, just after the release of her most recent single: Countryman.
Countryman is a song that takes listeners on a narrative journey through the life of Joe Kum Yung, a retired miner of Chinese origin who came to Aotearoa in the early 20th century, who was murdered by a white supremacist.
Oto talked to Sabreen about the process she went through in writing the song, as well as why Joe Kum Yung's story resonated with her.
What's happening out there? The earth is getting a second moon for a couple months! By the end of the week, we'll have a quasi-moon thanks to an asteroid that is being pulled into the earth's gravitational influence. Listen back for all the extra-terristrial news.
This episode of WALAO! was dedicated to desi singer songwriters and the South-Asian independent music scene as Oto interviewed Tāmaki Makaurau artist, Sabreen, of Bangladeshi origin to discuss her musical journey and her latest single: Countryman.
Eased into the show with some Joni Mitchell, Nagisa Ni Te, and Ami Koita... working up to a bit of Strawpeople, Headache, and Massive Attack... gorg. Sof chats with Rita Mae about her newest single "Poster Child". You can listen back to that kōrero here!
This week on the Green Desk we spoke with lecturer of sustainable architecture, Priscila Besen from Auckland University of Technology.
New Zealand is facing an energy crisis, and quick solutions are needed. Large manufacturing businesses are shutting doors around the country, with an Auckland Mill in Penrose announcing its permanent closure last week, which adds up to hundreds of job losses because of the price of power. Here’s reporter Jack Marshall:
Last week, the government revealed statistics showing a drop in crime in Auckland’s CBD, the reduction accredited to increased police presence under this government.
Crime isn’t the only issue facing the CBD, with recent data showing that hospitality spending in Auckland’s CBD is down compared to previous years. Challenges faced by hospitality businesses have been particularly evident since COVID lockdowns, with some heritage businesses permanently closing in recent months.
The government has also been tabling discussions of increasing the parliamentary term from three to four years. While several previous governments have discussed such a change, some issues have prevented it from going ahead.
In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Katie Nimon, Wire host Castor asked her about these issues facing the CBD, and about the potential for a four-year parliamentary term, starting off with crime in the CBD.
The struggles faced by the hospitality sector have been highlighted in a recent trading report from the Restaurant Association covering the second quarter of 2024. The report outlines various challenges businesses face, including low customer numbers and customer spending, reduced staff availability, and cost of goods.
Wire host Castor spoke to the general manager of the New Zealand Restaurant Association, Nicola Waldren, about these issues and what more could be done to address them.
On Dear Science this week, our expert Dr. Cushla McGoverin chatted with us about pandas' diets becoming less varied, concentrating COVID-19 in one place during testing, and the development of porous liquids.