The Wire with Joel

The Tuesday Wire kicks off with regular segment Dear Science. Today, host Christina spoke to AUT Professor Allan Blackman about helium shortages due to war in Ukraine, the surpsiingly valuable materials making up mercury’s crust, and why you might be to blame if you find everyone else boring.

She then spoke to Brooke Pao-Stanley from Fairer Futures, which has released new data that indicates recent benefit increases aren't enough, and people will remain locked in poverty.

With Ukraine-Russia news dominating the headlines, it's possible you've missed the latest news from the United States. Christina caught up with Dr Maria Armoudian, a senior politics lecturer from the University of Auckland, about recent happenings in US politics.

And finally, producer Trishil reported on the prevalence of Long Covid, as well as the research efforts going into understanding the condition, and the various clinical trials and treatment options for the condition.

Listen back!

Minimum wage is due to increase, but families are still struggling to afford the basic costs of living. COVID-19 has also made this struggle more difficult, with isolation rules causing families to stretch their incomes to new products and necessities. Charlie spoke with Green MP, Ricardo Menéndez March, about the potential of implementing a living wage for all New Zealand adult workers. 

The proposal of a new security deal between China and the Solomon Islands has caused concern amongst politicians, and Pacific Nations. Jason Young, Director of Victoria University's New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, discusses with Charlie what the deal means for the Pacific, and why the deal is in China's interest.

It's not everyday that you find a beaked whale on New Zealand shores but for Tohunga Tohorā, Ramari Stewart, it turned out to be a new species as well.

Dr Emma Carroll from the University of Auckland who worked on the new classification talked about this exciting discovery.