Stewart and Grace are back after a couple of weeks away.
On the Wire this week:
Grace talks to Auckland Action Against Poverty coordinator, Ricardo Menendez, about the effect of rising living costs on beneficiaries
After that, Stewart Sowman-Lund chats to Labour’s Andrew Little chats about hate speech, Brian Tamaki and Pike River.*
Then, Oscar talks to Otago University Associate Professor Melody Smith about the health side of a report which says urgent steps must be taken to encourage New Zealanders to walk, cycle or take public transport.
And finally, National MP Chris Bishop talks to Stewart about a concerning email from lobby group Family First about the End of Life Choice Bill.
All that plus cats, angry texter feedback and Simon Bridges yelling 'slushies'. It's The Thursday Wire!
*NOTE: Stewart's interview with Andrew Little was recorded prior to the announcement that re-entry into the Mine had been delayed.
It’s the final regular Thursday Wire for 2019 - and things went overtime.
On today’s show:
Minister Andrew Little is here for his final interview of the year. He talks to Stewart Sowman-Lund about a major criminal justice announcement this morning. Plus, his thoughts on a potential merger between NZME and Stuff.
After that, Justin previews the UK election coming up tonight New Zealand-time. Are the Conservatives going to regain a majority?
Then, Mary-Margaret speaks to the Tupuna Maunga Authority and Generation Zero about developments at Owairaka.
And lastly, the final Neighbourhood Watch for 2019. Australia’s burning both literally and metaphorically… Our correspondent Zoe tells brings us the latest.
All that plus a super speedy Poll Position, regular texter Peter’s angry about the EU, and someone wants cat stories. It’s The Thursday Wire and it’s gone crazy.
Today on your bFM Breakfast: Rob's hanging out with Rachel and Tess after a lovely holiday; The Mind Trench brings us tales of cats and a quick poem; Native Bush pops into the studio ahead of Deep Dive Festival; Tim's got vegetables and dessert on Mediabatt; and Amelia talks spoonerisms on Word Salad.
Over the weekend RNZ reported that the Labour Party would not be giving up the Auckland Central seat this election to the Green Party. Labour Representative Helen White will run for the position again, but this time against Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick and a yet to be announced National Party MP. RNZ asked White what she would say to people who pointed out Swarbrick's profile to which she said, "I'd ask them whether they're looking for a celebrity or someone to do this job very seriously." Jemima Huston and Zoë Larsen Cumming speak to the candidates about their work, the relevance of celebrity in an election and why the Auckland Central seat is always framed as a "cat fight".
This week Jemima Huston and Zoë Larsen Cumming speak to Auckland Central candidates, Labour Representative Helen White and Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick about White's "celebrity" comment. They ask about the candidates' work, the relevance of celebrity in an election and why the Auckland Central seat is always framed as a "cat fight".
Nirvana Haldar brings a piece to the International Desk about the #Dalitlivesmatter movement in India. She speaks Gladson Dungdung, a human rights activist and an author to Adivasi rights in Jharkhand, about the movement.
Hanna Thompson covers the Government cash injection for Family Planning. She speaks to Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter and Family Planning makes a statement on the announcement.
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