Catalonia have signed a declaration of independence but will wait to implement it to allow for talks with the government in Madrid. Last week a referendum was held where the a large majority of those who were able to vote voted for independence. The Spanish Government said the referendum was unconstitutional and Spanish police responded with violence in an attempt to stop it from going ahead. Some ballot boxes were confiscated and there was a global outcry against the actions of the police. Mahdis Azarmandi was there at the time and Lillian Hanly spoke with her about the day and the resulting consequences.
Following the coalition announcement yesterday and the waves of policy announcements coming from the new Labour lead government, the mental health sector is looking to receive some much needed help. Will Parsonson spoke to Marianne Elliot, the director of story and strategy at action station about the future of the Mental health system as well as the impacts a Labour lead government may have. He started off by asking about the current issues with Mental health in New Zealand.
This week we spoke with Greens trade spokesperson Golriz Gharaman about the latest from the TPP negotiations in Asia and the news the Greens will not support the current version of the agreement.
A new book looking into the role of the sovereign, governor-general, and crown in New Zealand has been published. This Realm of New Zealand is a comprehensive account of how the Queen, governor-general, and the Crown interact with our democratically elected leaders under New Zealand’s unwritten constitution. The authors also examine some of the key issues to be considered should NZ become a republic. Sam Smith spoke to the book’s co-author Professor Janet McLean.
This afternoon MPs will vote on the government’s plan seeking to make medicinal cannabis more available.
The bill purportedly lays the foundation for a regulated medical cannabis industry and also gives a defence for the terminally ill to use and possess cannabis.
The Greens have submitted a similar bill that is more far reaching. Their bill would allow patients, with a terminal illness or debilitating condition, to grow their own cannabis, subject to a doctor's permission.
Medicinal cannabis campaigner Rebecca Reider has criticized the government’s bill, claiming that it doesn’t go far enough and will still criminalize suffering people.
Reuben McLaren spoke to Ross Bell, the Executive Director of the New Zealand Drug foundation, to discuss the benefits and drawbacks.
First up, News Director Lilian Hanly spoke to Chris Widdup, the Project Manager for Connected Media, running the Outlook for Someday sustainability film project. Neutral corner returns as we look at the Syrian crisis. Andrew Little joins Lachlan for their regular chat, this week discussing the delayed Waikeria decision, the government’s response to western strikes on syria and the Whakatōhea report. Jemima speak with Dr Henry Kha about domestic violence in the court system. Finally this day in history returns as Ben takes us through the resignation of Fidel Castro as first secretary of the cuban communist party in 2011.
Today Lucy hosted our weekly catch up with the Green Party.
This week with Marama Davidson discussed the reasons behind the recent portfolio reshuffle and where the Greens stand on the 'Waka Jumping' Bill.
Finally, we asked about the potential crackdown on nutrient run off into our water-ways in response to National Party leader Simon Bridges comments calling it "reckless" and "an asult on the regions".
Climate Change Minister James Shaw joins Reuben again this week to discuss the Declaration for Ambition on climate change signed by 23 nations, including New Zealand, promising to boost climate targets by 2020 and calling on other nations to follow suit. They also talk about the country wide roadshow set up by the Ministry for the Environment to discuss the Zero Carbon BIll with the public and to take submissions.
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