Minister for Corrections, Kelvin Davis, has annunced that a 500 bed prison, including a 100 bed mental health unit, in Waikeria will replace the old prison. Jemima spoke with Just Speak spokesperson, Tania Sawicki Mead, about the new government's plans. Just Speak is represents the youth and rangatahi voice in criminal justice conversations.
The High Court ruled against the Ministry of Social Development in a case of wrongful debt recovery.
The MSD was asking a solo mother of two to repay more than a $100,000 of perceived benefit, after finding out the mom had contracted loans and used a credit card.
The High Court's jugement, which should have lasting effects, reminded the MSD that loans, which constitute debt, cannot be classified as income.
Our producer Lisa Boudet speaks with barrister Catriona MacLennan about the implications of this ruling and the current mind frame of the MSD.
Hunters in the Kaimanawa set more than 100 traps around the forrest park in an effort to help protect the native Blue Duck population from predatory pests. Tu spoke to Gary Harwood, a hunting advocate in the region, about conservation from the perspective of someone who pulls the trigger, why conserving the duck population is important, and his hopes for the future.
The Government has announced it will remove the cap on gender affirmation surgeries for trans people in Aotearoa. Previously, the cap stood at 4 surgeries every 2 years, leaving many on the over 100 person waitlist feeling deeply discouraged. Lachlan spoke with Ahi Wi Hongi from gender minorities Aotearoa about the cap being lifted.
The New Zealand Law Society has just celebrated 100 signatories of its Gender Equality Charter. The Charter was introduced in April of this year and aims to retain and advance women within the legal profession. The President of the Society, Kathryn Beck, spoke to Jemima about the Charter, how the Law Society plans to get every legal workplace on board, and finally how the Law Society is tackling sexual harassment as a gender equality issue.
Turtle rescuers around New Zealand are calling for bans to turtle breeding. Most rescues are over crowded with Auckland's Rescue Reptile having over 100 turtles in their care. Angie Harvey the owner of Auckland's Rescue Reptile speaks about why she believes turtle breeding should banned.