The Wire with Joel

In a recently released study from the University of Otago, researchers surveyed over 1000 participants, with over two thirds of these participants supporting the idea of the government developing plans to deal with catastrophe’s, extending across the political spectrum.

Such catastrophes include nuclear war, the spread of bioengineer infectious diseases, and weather events.

News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to Senior Researcher and a Population Health Professor at the University of Otago, Wellington, Nick Wilson, about this study, and what the government already has in place to deal with these risks.

Last Week, at a United Nations Climate Summit, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters pointed to what he called the “elephant in the room” - that in order to rein in emissions, the top 4 countries in terms of emissions, at 60% of the world’s emissions, must do their part.

While there is validity to these claims, and they offer a welcome contrast to the Climate Denialism of leaders such as US President Donald Trump, there are still concerns over what these claims may mean in terms of Aotearoa’s own responsibilities and approach to climate change and action.

Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to Senior Lecturer in accountancy and Finance at the University of Otago, Dr Sebastian Gehricke, about these claims, and how they may reflect the Government’s approach to Aotearoa’s emissions responsibilities.

Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning committee met yesterday to vote on a new plan that would zone the city for two million homes, primarily around train stations and rapid bus routes. 

This plan is a response to legislation put forward by housing minister Chris Bishop which requires councils across the country to zone for higher density housing.

This plan has not been without controversy, with councillors claiming that Aucklanders are being “put to the firing squad” 

Deputy PM David Seymour has publicly disagreed with his own housing minister, arguing that suburbs like Epsom and Parnell don’t have the right infrastructure to accommodate for this growth. 

Advocates for the plan, including mayor Wayne Brown argue that the council cannot continue to drag its feet on the need for housing that is closer to the city, and is more affordable. They argue that it’s better to build in places with pipes, public transport routes and job opportunities. 

The plan passed with a majority last evening, so Producer Sanat talked to Councilor Julie Fairey about the plan change and what it means for the future of the city.

Last week at St Matthew’s in the city, the community alliance Te Ohu Whakawhaungna organised a housing and wages Mayoral Forum attended by nearly 300 people.

This forum was centered on asking leading mayoral candidates about their plans to deliver public and affordable housing in the city, tackle homelessness and deliver a living wage for all those employed by Auckland Council.

Producer Sanat spoke to lead organiser for Te Ohu Marlon Drake about their community organising strategy, the sort of issues that diverse communities across the city care about and how they plan to work with the next mayor of the city to deliver on the needs of communities in Auckland.