Yesterday, the latest six-monthly survey of housing support providers under the National Homelessness Data Project, or NHDP, showed that homelessness in Auckland has more than doubled in the year to September. The report also found that 14 of the 21 agencies interviewed reported an increase in homelessness.
As well as this, Australia’s ban on social media for children under 16 has taken effect. And according to an interim report into social media harm, a social media ban for children in New Zealand is worth exploring further.
And last week the Government announced the replacement of the Resource Management Act, or RMA. The coalition said its replacement will slash red tape and supercharge growth.
For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March about the Government’s new RMA reforms and a potential social media ban in New Zealand.
But first they discussed the latest report on Auckland homelessness.
I tēnei ata, we welcome the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson as the third political leader in the Breakfast Show's rotation! This morning she and Rachel chat about calls for an apology for the Dawn Raids, the ever-present housing crisis, and feeling unsafe in Wellington Central. Whakarongo mai!
I tēnei ata, the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson phones up the studio to chat to Rachel about emergency housing conditions, the Government's deal with Amazon, and the new COVID-19 'High Risk' categories. Whakarongo mai!
Noah spoke to Professor Nikki Turner and Professor Michael Plank about the government's latest Covid-19 guidelines. He also caught up with National MP Christopher Luxon for their weekly chat, speaking about local body elections and National's plan to move forward with Covid-19.
Ilena spoke to Kerri Nuku, kaiwhakahaere for the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, about a new bill from the government. She also spoke to Green MP Golriz Ghahraman about regulating military products used to breach human rights, and Councillor Shane Henderson about ending water restrictions in Auckland and new housing density rules.
Jonny talks to Steve Abel of The Green Party about the Government's introduction of new legislation to the house to reverse the ban on offshore drilling. Listen back here!
For our regular interview, News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to the Green Party’s James Shaw about the National Party’s foreign buyers tax policy, and the renters advocacy group, Renters United, scorecards ranking the major political parties on their policies for renters.
The state of renting in New Zealand has been an important discussion for the past few years. While rent prices continue to increase due to the ongoing housing crisis and high demand, the quality of rentals has remained largely the same. Many renters across New Zealand, especially university students and first-time renters find themselves living in uninsulated and unsafe flats which cost hundreds of dollars a week. Many landlords and property managers in New Zealand do not properly maintain the properties they are renting out to the Healthy Homes Standards which became law in 2019. Despite this, many renters have to stick it out in what are considered to be unhealthy living conditions due to the high demand for renting in New Zealand.
Emily Bell spoke to three university students from across the country about their experiences flatting and flat hunting for the first time, and the changes they would like to see. She also chatted to Green Party MP and spokesperson for renters Chlöe Swarbrick about the power imbalance between renters and landlords and what can be done to improve this. Finally, Emily spoke to Anna Bykova who is a spokesperson for the advocacy group Renters United. Renters United aims to raise awareness and aid those who are experiencing unfair renting situations.
If you would like to fill out the Green Party’s survey regarding renting as well as see what ideas they have to improve renting in New Zealand, you can go to greens.org.nz/reasonable_rents
If you are interested in learning more about Renters United’s Plan to Fix Renting or want to show support to them by donating, you can find all this information on their website at rentersunited.org.nz
Adam takes over the reigns for this Wednesday's show, where - along with producers WIll and India - they explore a myriad of stories. Producer Will explores the impact of Labour’s housing policy on child poverty and poor housing environment. Adam was joined by Tracy Martin from NZ First to discuss Green Party accusations of racist immigration policy. AUT’s Allan Blackman joins them once again to talk about “potentially” toxic nanoparticles found in baby formula, a creationist who sued the Grand Canyon, and more. And finally, producer India spoke with Mana Magazine's former editor - Leonie Hayden - regarding the publications being placed on indefinite hold by its owner.
On today's wire with India, Mack and Jack, we talk to Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter about Winston Peters' decision and everything that’s happened since.
The Kea has emerged victorious in the Bird of the Year competition, dashing the hopes of kereru fans everywhere. The Kea Conservation trust explains its successful campaign.
On the Green Desk, Jack talks with Shane Lavery about the benefits of fish reserves
We visit a community garden in Mt Albert that volunteers are worried may be developed for housing, and we take a look at Tokelau language week and the state of Tokelauan in New Zealand.
This week on the show, producer Charlie speaks to Dr Robert Patman from the University of Otago and Dr Nick Smith from the University of Canterbury about the Russia-Ukraine crisis after Russian military forces have started to place themselves around the Ukraine border.
She also talks to Dr Andrew Chen from the University of Auckland about managing Covid-19 from home following yesterday's record breaking 2522 cases.
On her very first Wire, producer Emilia speaks to the Green Party's Social Development spokesperson, Ricardo Menendez March, about the Green Party's call for an urgent increase in public housing following a report from the Salvation Army that defines the housing crisis as a 'catastrophe'.
Finally, Charlie talks to CEO of Predator Free NZ, Jessi Morgan, and CEO of SAFE NZ, Debra Ashton, about the SPCA's call for cat law reform.