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
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'.
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Justin discussed with Justice Minister Andrew Little on recent government announcements on making New Zealand history compulsory at schools and new mental health initiatives, as well as abortion law reform and National leader Simon Bridges' recent trip to China.
Deb talked to Educational Minister Chris Hipkins in more detail on making New Zealand history a compulsory subject at schools.
International Desk gave an update on Hong Kong and Justin talked to two high school students who organized class boycotts.
And on Neighbourhood Watch, Australian correspondent Zoe covered the federal government's decision to drug test welfare recipients and a protest in front of Victoria's state parliament in Melbourne against a new highway for destroying aboriginal land.
Karanama spoke to the University of Auckland's Dr Rowan Light on how New Zealanders' understanding of the past shape racial relations.
On their weekly chat, Justin and Health Minister Andrew Little talked about nurses strikes, COVID-19 vaccines, benefits, and new vaping laws.
Neighbourhood Watch reports on an ABC report allegating federal cabinet ministers of inappropraite behaviour, Jim's Mowing CEO Jim Penman's offensive letter to Victoria senator Lidia Thorpe, and NAIDOC week.
Justin spoke to Health and SIS Minister Andrew Little about the government's hate speech law change, documents hacked from the Waikato DHB cyberattack released on the dark web, and a report on the legality of the SIS using Auckland Transport CCTV for surveillance.
Producer Louis Macalister talked to Environment Minister David Parker and Massey University's Caroline Miller about the proposed reforms to the Resource Management Act.
Neighbourhood Watch reports on a new local transmitted COVID-19 case in South Australia and Victoria's plans to decriminalize sex work.
A Classification Office report concluded most New Zealanders are exposed and are concerned about misinformation.
On their weekly chat, Justin and Health and GCSB Minister Andrew Little talked about the GCSB retiring the satellite dishes at Waihopai, home isolation for postive Covid community cases, and drugs to treat Covid.
Justin also spoke to Anti-Base Campaign's Murray Horton on retiring the Waihopai satellite dishes.
Producer Joe Wickins spoke to the University of Auckland's Kate Hannah on the spread of misinformation and disinformation since the Delta outbreak.
He also spoke to Judy Lawrence of Victoria University of Wellington on said how local leaders and planners can reduce risks from coastal threats without waiting for law reform.
Justin spoke to Sue Moroney, the chief executive of Community Law Centres Aotearoa, on New Zealand residents who are still stuck in Afghanistan.
He also spoke to the Council of Trade Union's president Richard Wagstaff, and the Child Poverty Action Group's Mike O'Brien on the government's proposal for an unemployment insurance.
Joe talked to Tami Allen of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission on their submission for the health sector reform legislation.
He also chatted with Elin Arbez from the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses on their protest against the Taranaki Cup.
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