The Wire with Castor

Over the weekend the world was shocked by the assassination of former Japanese President Shinzo Abe.  

Abe was a significant part of Japan's government, even after he resigned as president, and was a major player in politics in the Asian region.  

Jack Horsnell spoke to Professor Paul Clark, from the Asian Studies department at the University of Auckland about the aftermath of this tragedy.

On The Wire for Rāhina Monday!

Joe speaks to Kurt Krause, a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Otago, about NZ’s first case of Monkeypox. He also speaks to Max Rashbrooke, a Research Associate for the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, about political donation regulation and the motivation behind it.

Trishil speaks to Professor David Menkes, Consumer NZ Research and Test Writer Belinda Castles, Health Minister Andrew Little, Royal NZ College of GPs Medical Director Dr Bryan Betty, and National Health Spokesperson Dr Shane Reti about Pharmaceutical Advertising in New Zealand, and whether the practise should be banned.

And for this weeks Tomorrow’s World, Isla and Stella spoke to Dr Emma Sharp from the University of Auckland about her projects with Soilsafe Aotearoa.

That's us for the Monday Wire!

New Zealand and the United States are the only two countries in the world that allow pharmaceutical companies to advertise their products directly to consumers.

The question of banning pharmaceutical advertising in New Zealand isn’t new. In 2019, there were renewed calls for the Therapeutic Medicines Bill to be toughened with these measures being driven by.. 

At the time, a Consumer New Zealand survey indicated that 57% of kiwis favour an independent health info service that provides advice on treatment options over medicine advertising.

Those stats also reveal that 8% of those surveyed believed that said ads provided unbiased and comprehensive information about treatments.

And 15% of surveyors also said a ban is unnecessary.

This interview with Consumer NZ Research and Test Writer Belinda Castles is part of a larger story on Direct To Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising in New Zealand

New Zealand and the United States are the only two countries in the world that allow pharmaceutical companies to advertise their products directly to consumers.

Dr Shane Reti, National Health Spokesperson, mentioned that it is up to caucus to ultimately make a decision should a consultation arises.

This interview with National Party Health Spokesperson Dr Shane Reti is part of a larger story on Direct To Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising in New Zealand