In a career spanning three decades, Tony Fomison was a notable New Zealand painter, whose works were often dark, and who shed light on the human condition and reimagined life in Aotearoa.
Tony Fomison: Life of the Artist is a new biography written by Mark Forman, published by Auckland University Press. In this biography - the first full one of its kind to be published - Forman draws on archival material and interviews with over 150 people, including Fomison’s family and close friends, leading contemporary artists, political activists, and art professionals. However, notably, due to the varying recollections of those who knew the artist, Forman had to leave reproductions of Fomison's unique paintings out of the book.
Sofia spoke to Forman about what made him embark on this research, Fomison himself, and navigating representation of him.
The Treaty Principles Bill was officially put to bed last week, as it was voted down in parliament by all parties besides ACT. The bill spent a long time in the public spotlight and has been met with extensive criticism from across the political spectrum. Now that it’s done, Wire host Castor asked Nancy Lu about whether the bill met the government’s expectations and whether they’d explore something similar in the future.
Last week, we also saw a report released about the harassment of female MPs. The harassment levels have been concerning to many, especially given targeted campaigns and posts from some members of parliament or political parties encouraging this harassment.
In our weekly catchup with the National party, Tom Rutherford was absent this week, so Castor spoke to Nancy Lu about these issues, beginning with the Treaty Principles Bill.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently spoke to media saying that the government would announce reforms to the Holidays Act that would impact sick leave entitlements for part time workers.
Under the suggested changes, sick leave entitlements would be processed under an accrual system, meaning that part-time workers working half the hours of their full-time counterparts may only earn half of their previously entitled sick leave.
In that same week, a directive was recently given to Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ to give private hospitals 10-year outsourcing contracts to perform elective surgeries.
And earlier this week Associate Education David Seymour announced a review of the funding for early childhood education.
For our weekly Catchup with the Green Party, Oto spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez-March about all of these issues.
This Rāmere (Friday), the Grom is joined by the true Green Bay grommet, Helena. Helena’s hour of power is full of mean sounds and dials into a cinematic musical landscape. Get amongst it, ya frothers! 🚷🧊☂️🪡
If you are a teenager or know a teenager who would like to come on the show, just get in touch! flynnruss@hotmail.com
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