First up, Te Roopu Nahinara, National Party Member, Denise Lee is back. She fills us in on Nationals perspective of the climate change protests amongst school students, the Future of Education public meeting at One Tree Hill College, and Micheal Cullen's extended contract which paid him $1000.
Then, for wire worry week, members of political groups at the University of Auckland join us to talk about about cannabis reformation, student fees and renting regulations.
And finally for This Day in History, Ben Goldson reports on the reopening of the suez canal in 1957.
The Commerce Commission is taking Moola, a short-term lender, to the High Court, on allegation of breach of responsible lending practices between 2015 and 2017. Like many others, Moola offers from $100 to $5000 as loans very quickly, but with rates that can go up to 625%. And while none of this is illegale, the lending companies are supposed to research their clients' ability to repay such loans before granting them.
The Commerce Commission was alerted by a referral made by Fincap, and organisation that provides budget advice. Lisa spoke with its CEO, Tim Barnett.
She also had a chat with Robert Choy, of Ngā Tāngata Microfinance, a charitable trust that offers loans free of interest and fees, to help out those who got trapped in the vicious circle of debt.
Skycity Chairman Rob Cambell is currently attending a “Wellbeing at Work” conference to talk with heads of business about the importance of fair and transparent practices for pay, performance management and promotion. Meanwhile outside the conference, Skycity workers will be picketing his talk over unfair wages for long and unsociable hours. Workers have gone on strike for the past month over not receiving time and a half pay for working late and on weekends. SEA-Unite Skycity Union Convenor Joe Carolan highlighted the two and a half thousand dollar entry fee to the conference, stating that “it's pretty safe to say there won’t be any low paid workers views expressed inside.” William Boyd spoke with Joe about the protest and workers pay troubles. Will started off by asking him why workers were picketing the conference.
A group of Chinese construction workers who came to New Zealand through an overseas employment agency have been left broke and jobless after spending upwards of $40,000 on agency fees. They were refused a visa extension after they were lied to about how much they would earn and how long they could stay. Felix Walton spoke with Unite Union's Mike Treen who is trying to help the workers.
It's time to critique The Goop Lab - celebrity wellness empires are booming by capitalising off preying upon us. By taking real fears of Big Pharma and modern alienation, these companies tell us that the way out is purchasing these absurd, scientifically and morally questionable solutions. For a hefty fee, of course.
This Valentines Day Rachel unites her two passions: feminist scammers and wacky self care products.
The weekly chat with Green Party co-leader James Shaw regarding quaratine fees, the roadside drug testing bill, and the Green's Poverty Action Plan.
The Southern Cross with Pacific Media Watch's director David Robie and contributing editor Sri Krishnamurthi on the longterm effects of French nuclear testing in the Pacific, Covid 19 in Papua New Guinea, and a drug heist in Papua New Guinea.
Zoë talks to ALRANZ president Terry Bellamak on the policisation of social issues.
Producer Ty brings a piece on the mental health of teachers and principals in New Zealand.
Yesterday afternoon we saw Associate Finance Minister James Shaw announce as part of the COVID-19 recovery fund, 11.7 million dollars going towards The Green School, a privately owned school in Taranaki, which focuses on providing schooling without exams and a focus on the environment. This is the second of its kind in the world, with the first one in Bali. Since the funding announcement, there has been backlash as there is need across the country for new buildings, repairs and renovations of schools, with anger that it went to a private school with fees reaching $43,000 for international students. There has also been criticism of Shaw as this goes against Greens policy, which states a complete movement away from private schooling. To understand the situation better, producer James Tapp talked to Chris Edwards, the CEO of The Green School, and Paul Gouter, the national secretary for NZEI Te Riu Roa.
This week in their weekly catch up, James and Brooke talk about EV's and siginificant natural areas.
Recent the governement has announced a discount on EV's, as well as a new fees on non-electric cars. ACT has opposed this move, due to the impact it will have on farmers and large families.
James and Brooke then talk about siginificant natural areas, which will potentially face changes as councils are currently able to take siginigcant natural areas for conservation purposes. ACT has raised concerns over the power which is given to council to take land.
On today's Monday Wire Charlie spoke with Yurko Galdun, Chairman of the Ukrainian Association of New Zealand Northern Regions, about the peaceful protest against Russia's military action that happened in Auckland. As Omicron raises staff shortage concerns in the health sector, Bindi Norwell, CEO of ProCare, discussed their ‘Mission Possible’ initiative with Charlie. Green MP Chloë Swarbrick also spoke with Charlie about an open-letter to improve cultural infrastructure.
Sam spoke with Marcelle Dawson, sociology professor at Otago University about the anti-mandate protests happening in Welington. As many students went back to university today, once again online, Sam spoke with two post graduate students about wanting a partial refund on fees.
Justin Wong talked to Justice Minister Andrew Little about the prisoner voting rights bill being passed third reading in Parliament, Covid-19 quarantine and testing, cybersecurity, and the Sex Offences legislation.
Ollie Joblin spoke to Forest and Bird's Geoff Keey on a Threat Mangement Plan to protect Hector's and Maui dolphins.
On Neighbourhood Watch, Zoe Kounandis from Radio Adelaide reports on state border restrictions, community TV closures and university course fee changes.
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