The Productivity Commission has proposed that the government should shift to variable subsidies for tertiary education funding.
95bFM reporter, Kelly Enright spoke to Productivity Commission chief Advisor Kevin Moar about the report. She started by asking what the proposal actually recommends.
bFM’s Joel Thomas also spoke to Jonathan Gee, the president of the New Zealand Union of Students Association, about the problems he has with the proposal. Gee believes variable subsidies will disadvantage lower-income students and imply the sole purpose of tertiary education is to get students into the workplace.
In December it was reported by Child Poverty Action Group that ethical lending schemes should be a model for adoption nationwide. They referenced Ngā Tangata Microfinance, a not for profit organisation designed as an alternative to the more merciless loan shark type models of lending companies.
Loan sharks often force families into an endless cycle of debt. Ngā Tangata Microfinance on the other hand provide no-interest loans to qualifying clients for family well-being and relief from high interest debt. A report from the organisation says this type of loan has improved people’s well being and reduced stress. It is estimated the loans have saved recipients collectively over a million dollars in interest and other charges. Lillian Hanly speaks with Robert Choy, the Executive Officer of the organisation.
Today on your bFM Breakfast: We're easing our way into Level 2.5 with some hot coffee and good tunes; Rupert joins us to talk budgeting tips and getting the most out of your investments; Pennie pops in to continue her series on glam rock; Kiran brings us Ali Smiths new book, Summer; and Justine answers all your union questions on Red Dead Redemption.
Milly spoke with Henry Hansen the CEO of Wisewool a company spearheading a project to boost the New Zealand wool industry. They discuss the $790,000 granted towards the project from the Ministry for Primary Industries and the possibilities when it comes to the use of strong wool.
Last week, a number of researchers presented the government with modelling on the vaccination rates required to protect New Zealanders in the coming years. Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to one of the researchers, Professor Shaun Hendy, about the models and their implications. They also discussed New Zealanders' attitudes towards lockdown, whether the government could have prepared better in their rollout, and how Auckland's housing crisis is exacerbating the pandemic.
The New Zealand Promoters Association are expressing strong concerns surrounding Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency’s choice to elect Ticketmaster as the exclusive ticketer for Venue Wellington. 95bFM’s Adam Jacobson spoke with NZPA Vice-President Gray Bartlett about why event promoters are uneasy about the decision, and about whether it’s affecting cities beyond Wellington as well.
There is a struggle both nationally and internationally to attract and retain more women into a career in the tech industry.
NZTech are pairing up with the Ministry of Women and NZRise, on a campaign focused on encouraging more women into tech careers. Harry spoke with Oracle account executive and NZTech board member Eva Sherwood on some of her experiences as a women in tech, to find out more.
On the Green Desk this week, we have our new host Jack Marshall. As climate change increases, there will be both benefits and costs to New Zealand’s agricultural industries.
Jack spoke to Dr Glen Creasy, a Senior Lecturer in Viticulture at Lincoln University in Christchurch is looking at how New Zealand’s vineyards will be impacted by changing climates.
Over the past decades, privatised military contracts have grown to unprecedented levels, a change that has challenged the standing ethical doctrine known as ‘Just War’ theory. How is the privatisation of military activities compromising international conduct in conflict? What does it mean for international law and ethics in conflict? Amy Eckert discusses the multi-billion dollar, private military industry with Maria Armoudian.
95bFM