This week it was reported that the wait list for state housing in New Zealand has increased dramatically. There are 8000 families on the waitlist and 2000 others wanting to different state houses. Producer, Jemima spoke to Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford about this issue. They also discussed the Government's recent announcement that the maximum price for Kiwibuild homes has increased by $50,000.
This week there have been reports about the uncertainties around Housing New Zealand's policy as to offenders on bail or parole staying in state housing. Jemima spoke with the Director of JustSpeak, Tania Sawicki Mead, about this issue. They discussed why offenders on bail or parole should have access to state housing and whether there is a stigma that currently exists that prevents this.
This week rumours have circulated that National MP's Simon Bridges and Christopher Luxon may be preparing to make a run for leadership of the National Party. Judith Collins has come out and asked the media to stop their speculation. As part of their weekly interview, Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to Luxon about the speculation and the role that the media plays in it.
They also discussed New Zealand's housing crisis and National's solutions to solving it.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the government’s new provision for police, allowing them to issue move-on orders to rough sleepers and those displaying “disorderly behaviour” in cities throughout New Zealand.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced the government’s weakening of housing intensification plans in Auckland, reducing the maximum housing capacity from 2 million to 1.6 million.
The government has also taken its first step towards a new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, by disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment, a process they say will make policy and planning more productive across these sectors.
Producer Kelly Enright talked to Transport Spokesperson for the Green Party, Julie Anne Genter, about the proposed Light Rail from the city to the airport should the party be elected into Government. They would plan to begin infrastructure immediately and have the rail built and in use by 2021.
This week we talked to James Shaw about the Greens economic policy and their ideas around a capital gains tax, a living wage and a universal basic income.
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