The Wire with Laura: 28th of February, 2020

On this weeks Friday Wire...

The National Party’s, Denise Lee joins Laura Kvigstad for their weekly chat. This week they discuss governments place-based assessments for housing which has started in Rotorua most recently. Then they have a chat about transparency international calling for political funding reform which follows the Serious Fraud Office’s investigations in National and New Zealand First’s donation scandals. Finally, Denise expresses her concerns over the fire hazard that One Tree Hill has become since the Tūpuna Maunga Authority has stopped livestock grazing. 

Then, Rachel Simpson talks to expert on US foreign policy Dr Robert G. Patman, professor of politics and director of international studies at the University of Otago. Dr Robert Patman. He explains and analyses the relationship between the US and India.

Next, we revisit the subject of cannabis, this week focusing on the psychological effects the substance has on the brain. Otago University Professor, Joe Boden joins Laura to discuss the impacts both on young brains as well as those susceptible to psychosis. 

Finally, Benjamin Goldson revisits the United States in this weeks neutral corner. He looks at the coverage of the 10th Democratic Party debate of the 2020 election season, held in the aftermath of the Nevada primary.