On Monday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that in light of the recent outbreak in community transmission of COVID-19, the election date will move to 17 October.
Bronwyn spoke to NZ First Minister Tracey Martin about the date change, as well as some of the misinformation about the Prime Minister's powers which has been spread by the National Party in recent days.
They also talk about the New $40 million Lottery COVID-19 Community Wellbeing Fund whic hwas annouced by the Minister yesterday.
This week on the Wire, Dear Science's Allan Blackman discusses the link between cannabis use in pregnancy and autism risk, water beetles which can stay alive despite being eaten by a frog, and the rare element Astatine.
In her weekly chat with NZ First’s Tracey Martin, Bronwyn askes about the 52% drop in reports of concern being made to Oranga Tamariki under Alert Level 3, and raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility for children from age 10 to 14.
Bronwyn then brings a second piece which contain a conversation she had with Tracey Martin last week sparked by the re-posting of the Minister's facebook post to an anti-trans group. In questioning when it can be reasonable to limit a group's freedom of expression where they cause harm, Bronwyn also speaks to Ahi Wīhongi Gender Minorities Aotearoa.
Lastly, producer Jack Marshall speaks to Anae Brown from T. White's Bikes about how the bicycle business has been booming under lockdown.
This week in her weekly chat with the Green Party co-leader James Shaw, Zoë Larsen Cumming asks James about the minor parties leader's debate, the possibility of a Minister for Mental Health, the Wealth Tax, New Zealand's violence against women and children record, and finally his thoughts in the last week leading up to the election!
Was the 2020 US election conducted properly? Will mail-in ballots be counted and will that count be allowed to stand? Will the US Supreme Court decide the final outcome? And what, in any case, will become of American democracy? In this urgent and timely event, University of Auckland lecturers use the lenses of law, political science, and psychology to explain this contested election and discuss the implications of the final outcome.
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Bernie Griffen is more than ably assisted by Garth Cartwright. Garth is the author of the book 'More Miles Than Money', a trip through the Southwest of the United States catching up with the old performers. One of whom was lydia Mendoza who was in her 90's when Garth spoke to her. It's a few years old now , the book , but in my opinion one of the loveliest dissertations on the love of Routes music i have ever read. He is in NZ for 3 months and will do another show with me sometime in February celebrating the 60th anniversary of Arhoolie Records. So "listen up" , that too will be a great show. Next week I have Ian Tucker up on the show to play his endless collection of vinyl. Happy New Year!
On January 6, a mob emboldened by US President Donald Trump seized control of the US Capitol Building in Washington D.C. in an attempt to block the transition of the Presidency to Joe Biden. These events resembled a coup. How much did this coup attempt resemble others internationally? Is this the beginning of an era of undemocratic actions against peaceful transitions following elections? Doug Becker speaks with Anne Meng and Naunihal Singh.
For more stories like this head to www.thebigq.org
Auckland Central MP Chloe Swarbrick and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff responded to an open letter on November 19th concerning the current state of the Auckland CBD area where residents have noticed an increase in homelessness and aggressive, anti-social behaviour over the course of the Delta lockdown. New Zealand Drug Foundation Sarah Helm discussed the issue with Emily Bell as well as what can be done to aid the homeless community.
This week Producer Alex Wierzbicki interviews ACT Party Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden about the ongoing Russian invasion of the Ukraine and our government's response to it. Also discussed is the easing of self-isolation for New Zealanders coming into the country.
One of the most highlighted aspects of the 2022 budget is the Cost Of Living Package, allowing those making less than seventy grand per year to receive three hundred and fifty dollars over the span of three months.
The check will not go ahead for those under eighteen, nor anyone who is already receiving the Winter Energy Payment.
Liam spoke to both the ACT Party and the Greens about their thoughts on the check and the budget as a whole, first having a chat with ACT Party Leader and Finance Spokesperson David Seymour.
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