Backshotz is a 7 piece psychedelic indie rock outfit hailing from Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, made up of a diverse group of brilliant musicians and lead by frontman Varit of Thai origin.
For the first episode of WALAO! Oto and Jaycee interviewed Backshotz to talk about their origins, musical process and Asian representation in the musical landscape of Aotearoa.
Air New Zealand recently announced their withdrawal from the Science Based Targets Initiative and removal of carbon intensity reduction targets.
The company says the move was driven by a lack of availability and affordability for new aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels.
The announcement drew criticism from experts who say the original plan was unrealistic and that the target removal was unsurprising.
Producer Josef spoke with Professor of Sustainable Business at the University of Otago, and Co-Director of He Kaupapa Hononga, Otago’s Climate Change Research Network, Sara Walton; about the announcement, and what it means for New Zealand’s emissions reduction target.
In a unique edition of Dear Science, expert Professor Allan Blackman spoke to us about the 250th anniversary of the discovery of oxygen, the history of the person who did it, and oxygen facts in the 21st century.
The repeal of section 7aa of the Oranga Tamariki Act was announced earlier this year, and the government is reviewing submissions on the bill this week. In response, more than 200 members of Ngāpuhi gathered at parliament on Monday 5th August to protest the change, which they claim will continue the historical mistreatment of tamariki Māori in state care as outlined in the recent abuse in state care report.
The repeal of section 7aa also joins a raft of other legislation under this government, which has been criticised for its targeting of policies or institutions designed to uplift Māori voices or address Māori issues.
In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Katie Nimon, Wire host Castor asked about the removal of section 7aa and how the government is responding to criticisms. They also asked about the government’s broader approach to Māori issues, and how they plan to address systemic inequalities through policy.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, international calls for a ceasefire have also been highlighted. Along with calls for a ceasefire, talks between Israel and Hamas have continued for months, despite disruptions.
However, Dr Ritesh Shah says a ceasefire alone is not enough to address systemic issues within the region. Shah’s research is into the well-being and education of children and young people in Gaza.
Wire host Castor spoke to him about humanitarian efforts, ceasefire talks, and what else the international community could do to contribute to lasting peace in the region.
He also spoke about a series he began at the University of Auckland, which is linked below with a description:
Through guest speakers and films (including several Palestinian scholars), the intention is to provide a space for staff and students within our university to learn more about how contemporary struggles in Palestine are the product of legacies of settler colonialism, racism, capitalism, and imperialism. It is also an opportunity to question some of the orthodoxies that have held problems in their place in Palestine and begin to imagine alternative futures. The series also gives specific attention to the education project in all of this—and how it has been a source of oppression, liberation, and hope for Palestinians over time and in different forms.
The series starts on August 1 and runs over three successive Thursdays that month (August 1, 8, 15) from 4-6 pm (note, the first session runs until 6:30 pm). Those who are interested in attending can register for one or more of the seminars at this link, where you can also find more information about each seminar in the series.
The government recently announced changes and funding for maths education in primary and intermediate schools. The changes include requiring all primary and secondary teachers to have an NCEA level 2 qualification in maths and introducing standardised maths tests twice yearly.
The changes are the first major update in around twenty years, and are cautiously welcomed by those in the sector.
Wire host Castor spoke to senior lecturer of mathematics education at the University of Auckland, Lisa Darragh, about the existing system and the potential changes.
For Dear Science, we chatted with our expert Professor Allan Blackman about the 250th anniversary of the discovery of Oxygen.
In our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire host Castor spoke to MP Katie Nimon about the removal of section 7aa of the Oranga Tamariki Act in light of Ngāpuhi members gathering at parliament, and how this reflects the government’s attitudes towards Māori issues.
They spoke to Senior lecturer in Education at the University of Auckland, Dr Ritesh Shah from the University of Auckland about humanitarian aid and ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
And they spoke to Dr Lisa Darragh from the University of Auckland about the government's newly announced maths curriculum changes.
Producer Josef spoke to Sara Walton, Professor of Sustainable Business at the University of Otago, about Air New Zealand’s removal of its 2030 emissions reduction targets and withdrawal from the science-based targets initiative.
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