Stage Direction is with Nisha Madhan and Julia Croft (producers), talking about Still Lives, the internationally acclaimed series working with eight female-identifying rugby players to create a living sculpture of an interlocking scrum.
Last week, on Monday 18th March, Whaikaha - the Ministry for Disabled People announced that it was making changes to its Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services.
These changes mean that people can no longer use disability funding for expenses that provide respite, self-care services for carers and whānau, gifts for volunteers providing support, and overseas and domestic travel costs.
The changes came into effect the same day they were announced.
Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to Labour MP and Spokesperson for Disability Issues, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, about these changes and the implications they will have for disabled communities and whānau.
World Endometriosis Day is coming up this week on the 28th of March.
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing severe pain in the pelvis.
Endometriosis is hard to diagnose and there is currently no cure.
However, international studies have shown that CBD oil is a promising natural treatment for endometriosis pain relief.
Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to the CEO of the Green Leaf Group and Co-founder of the Cannabis Clinic, Dr. Waseem Alzaher, about the effectiveness of existing treatments and the use of cannabis to relieve pain.
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced a batch of legislation aimed at reducing the prevalence of vaping amongst young people. These changes include a ban on disposable vapes and increased fines for those selling vapes to underaged buyers.
Additionally, recent changes around disability funding eligibility have been criticised by many for removing access to essential services or leisure activities.
Wire host Castor spoke to James Meager about the new vaping legislation and the possible consequences for young people, along with the funding criteria changes and how they might affect disabled people and their carers.
Long COVID is a condition that continues to affect people after they contract COVID 19 with a wide range of symptoms. A new Public Health Expert meeting has called for urgent preventative action against long COVID, suggesting it will have long term financial and human costs.
Wire host Castor spoke to the University of Otago’s Professor Michael Baker about Long COVID and how we can respond to it.
For Dear Science this week, Doctor Cushla McGoverin spoke to Wire host Castor about newly identified marine species, preservation of brain tissue, and genetically modified cow’s milk.
Castor also spoke to the National Party’s James Meager about the proposed vaping legislation and the changes to disability funding eligibility.
He also spoke to the University of Otago’s Professor Michael Baker about long COVID and its implications.
Producer Sofia spoke to the Co-founder of the Cannabis Clinic, Dr. Waseem Alzaher, about endometriosis treatments and using cannabis as pain relief in light of World Endometriosis Day this week.
She also spoke to Labour Party MP and Spokesperson for Disability Issues, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, about the Whaikaha, Ministry for Disabled People, funding changes and the implications they will have for disabled communities and whānau.
Rachel speaks to the Deputy Mayor about consultation closing for Auckland's Long Term plan, Auckland transport fare changes coming up and Easter weekend celebrations across the city.
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