Zoë is your captain today, and she's unflappable in the face of fire alarms and a relentless barrage of benevolent behaviour (so many prizes!). On Isthmus'n That with Desley Simpson, the Deputy Mayor speaks to Zoë about the proposal to reduce senior roles in council, and consultation opening for Auckland’s Long Term plan 2024-2034. Mel Parsons dials in to talk about her new single with an accompanying music video, Little Sadness, from her forthcoming album. Stage Direction is with Angela Yang (performer) and Cindy Yunha Jang-Barlow (Creator/Director), talking about their show I Don't Wanna Dance Alone. We listen to Short Player from Hunter where he speaks to Leonard Powell about his new record, Slow Mover. On Ready Steady Learn, Dr Kathryn Bradbury from the School of Population Health, is in to talk about her research into diet and climate change. Whakarongo mai nei!
Ata Mārie! This week on the b we looked at some jazz before taking a hard left turn into some wubby dub before veering back into some neo-funk. Tune in!
Last week, the Fast Track Approvals Bill received its first reading under urgency.
The bill proposes to fast-track the resource consent process for major infrastructure projects by giving ministers decision making powers.
Forest & Bird, among other environmental groups, have expressed concerns that the bill will override or bypass existing environmental laws and protection.
Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to group manager for conservation advocacy at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie, about the bill and its impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment and democracy.
Last week, three unions representing care and support workers delivered an open letter with over 9,100 signatures to Te Whatu Ora demanding urgent action on their pay equity claim.
Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to Public Service Association Delegate and Mental Health Support Worker, Christie Cox, about the current situation for care and support workers in Aotearoa and the significance of the letter being delivered on International Women’s Day.
In our weekly interview with National’s James Meager, wire host Castor talked about the government’s mortgage tax deduction policy and fuel excise tax. The mortgage tax reduction policy allows landlords to claim tax deductions on interest from mortgages on their properties.
Notably, these tax deductions can increase to up to 100% of the mortgage interest rate, and will not apply to those who own one home.
Additionally, a week before this interview, Transport Minister Simeon Brown unveiled the government’s transport policy. While not technically introducing a fuel tax, the government does plan to increase the excise tax on fuel, which in practical terms does mean you will be taxed more on the fuel you buy. The policy has been met with controversy, especially given promises during the election campaign to not introduce a fuel tax. Castor discussed this issue with James Meager and how the decision may be seen as hypocritical.
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