The Wire with Joel

The cost of living crisis has been plaguing a post-Covid New Zealand for years now, with a record 11% increase in grocery supplier costs last year. In addition the New Zealand dollar is not doing well internationally. 

Arno spoke with economist Shamubeel Eaqub to find out more about this crisis. He started off by asking how increased costs further up in the supply chain would affect everyday grocery prices. Also covered were tips for Kiwis going forward.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been going on a lot longer than most expected. This war has been marked by innovative technology and a far stronger resistance to the invasion than previously imagined. Arno spoke to journalist of economics and politics Rod Oram to get an update on the latest occurrences in the conflict. 

Arno started off by asking about the casualties on both sides, to find out who currently has the upper hand in this conflict.

This week on The Wire for Rāmere Friday!

David brings us City Counselling, our regular segment with Auckland Councillor with Mike Lee. This week they discussed the Auckland Council’s draft proposal for the 2023/2024 budget. 

Daniel looks at cuts in Art Funding but with a focus on the comedy and theatre community. He spoke to Lauren Whitney, the General Manager of the New Zealand Comedy Trust, Mark Harvey who is part of Arts Makers Aotearoa and Cat Ruka, the Executive Director of Basement Theater

We bring you The Best of The Wire from 2022 as well, where we recap the year that was in news and current affairs. We revisit our interviews with Dr Nic Rawlence, from the paelogenetics lab at the University of Otago, about all the fossil related chats we’ve had throughout the duration of this year.

David speaks to Professor Corinne Seals, an Applied Linguistics Professor at Victoria University of Wellington, about the Ukrainian language and culture seeing a renaissance in the face of Russian aggression.

And our youngest reporter, Iris Butler, interviews the Hamilton City Council about Lime scooters in the Waikato River.

That's us for the last Friday Wire of 2022!

While the rest of the country closes shop over the holiday season, mental health helplines remain open - including on public holidays. 0800 What's Up, a helpline and chat service for rangatahi, are keeping their phone lines running to meet not only existing needs, but also to address the additional distress the holiday season can bring for some. 

Hanna spoke to Ban, What's Up's Team Leader, about the services they provide, why they are continuing to provide help over the holidays, and how the crisis in mental healthcare exerts pressure on helplines.