The Wire with Joel

The Football World Cup kicks off in Qatar at the end of this month.

While this is the first time a Middle Eastern country has hosted such an event, the tournament has been shrouded in controversy with grave examples of human rights abuses being committed. 

David spoke to University of Otago Politics Professor Leon Goldsmith about a nation like Qatar hosting the world’s biggest sporting event.

In March this year, the government announced a special Ukrainian policy that allowed Ukrainian New Zealanders to sponsor family members to come to New Zealand.

However, the policy has not been as successful as many hoped as visa recipients are struggling to set up new lives here and has even led to some returning home.

David spoke to Kate Turska from the organisation Mahi for Ukraine about what has happened to Ukrainians who arrived here and how New Zealanders can help them.

Welcome to The Wire for this Rāpare, Thursday! This week, Tuva'a has his weekly catch-up with Labour's Andrew Little, and Milly speaks to Sarah Sneyd from Alcohol Watch about the proposed harm reduction bill. Stella speaks to Marsden Fund recipients Julia De Bres (for research into supporting transgender youth) and Dr Nick Mortimer (about the toughness of pounamu). Stella also speaks to Jennifer Curtin about the impact the Black Ferns in raising the profile of women's rugby. She also speaks to Jenni Adams about the IceCube Collaboration- revealing more about nearby galaxies.

Stella chats to Jennifer Curtin, expert on the history of women's rugby union about the Black Ferns' rapport with the public of Aotearoa.