The Wire with Joel

On Saturday, tens of thousands of people rallied in Auckland calling for the government to sanction Israel for their actions and violence in Gaza. 

While politicians across the spectrum have responded to the protests with a mix of support and disapproval, the New Zealand government is not expected to announce their official decision on the recognition of a Palestinian state until a General Assembly in New York next week. 

Following the government’s announcement to get rid of NCEA in favour of a new system, Education Minister Erica Stanford has revealed numerous subjects to join the senior school curriculum, which will include the incorporation of generative AI.

Finally, the New Zealand Herald published information last week pertaining to MP Carl Bates’ failure to disclose 25 properties to Parliament, against what has been argued as a ‘breach of public trust’.

Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Bates about all of these topics, starting with the pro-Palestine rally.

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin speaks with us about potential biosignatures on Mars, iridescent mammals & plastic waste for carbon capture. 

Celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori at MOTAT with a week full of playful, creative, and hands-on experiences for tamariki and whānau! From 13 to 21 September

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

This week on the Monday Wire:

For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to MP Simon Court about this weekend’s Palestine rally, the ‘March for Humanity’ and Regulations Minister, David Seymour, not ruling out changes for the labelling on alcohol, nicotine, and tobacco products.

Thursday Wire Host Caeden, Thursday Producer Sanat, and Tuesday Wire Host Sara interviewed participants at Saturday’s ‘March for Humanity’ as well as Aotearoa for Palestine organiser Nadine Mortaja.

Joel spoke to Emma Anderson, a PhD Candidate at the Bioethics Centre at the University of Otago, about a recent study she was the lead author in, showing New Zealand news media’s coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic having nationalistic and ‘us versus them’ elements in its reporting.

Producer Alex spoke with the University of Otago’s Robert Patman about recent Russian drone incursions in Poland, and what they mean for NATO and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

And Alex also spoke to The University of Otago’s Michael Holland about artists leaving spotify, and the issues with the platform.

Whakarongo mai.

In recent months, there has been a growing exodus of artists and bands moving away from Spotify. These decisions are being made along political and ethical lines, as the platform continues to come under fire for a range of business practices and investments.

In the streaming era, however, artists cannot make this decision lightly. Musicians often depend on streaming services like Spotify for a consistent source of income. 

Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to the University of Otago’s Michael Holland about why these artists are leaving spotify, and what it means for artists to leave streaming services.