The government has announced its intention to scrap legal funding for section 27 cultural reports. These reports are used in court sentencing for judges to learn more about the offenders’ cultural background and their lives. This decision has been criticised, with experts saying that scrapping reports would make trials slower and more expensive, and would negatively impact Māori.
Olivia talked to Professor of Law at AUT, Kris Gledhill, about this decision, the issues with it, and how Aotearoa New Zealand compares with other countries.
Producer Olivia spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland Law School, Vernon Rive, about the Smith and Fonterra climate change court case.
She also spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland’s Department of Commercial Law, Gehan Gunasekara, about Foodstuffs’ facial recognition trial.
And she spoke to Professor of Law at AUT, Kris Gledhill, about the Government's decision to scrap legal aid for section 27 cultural reports.
The Labour Party’s controversial Three Waters reforms were repealed last week. National’s replacement plan seeks to address the complaints of many who pushed back against the bill, while maintaining support for challenged regions.
Additionally, this Sunday saw National Leader Christopher Luxon pushed out of the yearly Big Gay Out event by protestors. Amongst other issues, the protestors are standing against proposed changes to the school curriculum, removing and replacing gender, sexuality, and relationship-based education guidelines.
Producer Castor spoke to National’s James Meager about the Three Waters replacement, including recent environmental concerns. He also discusses the curriculum changes, and how the National Party supports queer young people.
National's government announced the axing of Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways: a large science reform program set up only last year.
It has left scientists concerned that budget cuts will further hit the already struggling sector; including the end of an 11-ten-year collaborative science programme known as the National Science Challenge
Producer Sofia Kent spoke to Professor Troy Baisden, the Co-President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists, about what the future of science research looks like in Aotearoa.
This week on The Wire, Milly rejoins the news team for a fleeting moment alongside her producer Sofia! Castor speaks to National's James Meager about the Three Waters replacement and changes to the sex and gender school curriculum, Sofia speaks to Gerard Rushton Chairman of Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa about vaccines and first year university students, as well as Professor Troy Baisden, the Co-President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists, talking about impending cuts in the science sector. There's also Dear Science with Alan Blackman. Do not be surprised by impromptu updates on Grant Robinson's resignation from parliment!
The Supreme Court found that Northland iwi leader Mike Smith (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) has the right to sue seven big polluters in Aotearoa New Zealand, including Fonterra, Genesis Energy and Z Energy for their role in contributing to climate change. The ruling also denies these companies from attempting to strike out the case, and it will now continue to trial.
Beth spoke to Head of Campaigns for Greenpeace Aotearoa, Amanda Larssen, about this win, and its significance for our climate.
The National Party has scrapped the Regional Fuel Tax and Mayor Wayne Brown has ordered that all work by Auckland Transport on projects funded by the tax is to be stopped.
Beth spoke to Counsellor for Manukau, Lotu Fuli, about Wayne Brown’s decision, and to what extent these projects were integral to the future of the city.
Yesterday on Valentine’s Day there were protests and renewed calls in the media about dating impacting the amount people can receive in benefits. For our weekly catch-up with Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni, Caeden asks about these renewed calls to review this status quo.
They also ask about the situation in Tāmaki Makaurau just over a year since the Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding.
Climate Justice Taranaki has announced they are working with other climate groups to take a joint case to the Waitangi tribunal.
Their case would target the Crown, and their lack of focus on targeting big polluters at the expense of vulnerable New Zealanders.
This comes following Mike Smith’s win at the Supreme Court where it was found New Zealanders have a right to take big polluters like Fonterra to court for not meeting climate and environmental targets.
This week for Global Issues, 95bFM’s new segment focusing on human rights issues, Caeden spoke to Climate Justice Taranaki spokesperson Tuhi-Ao Bailey (Taranaki, Te Atiawa, Ngati Mutunga) about the case.