The Wire with Castor

Earlier this week, researchers from the University of Otago released a report looking at substance usage amongst adolescents. The study found that rates of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis usage amongst Kiwi teens peaked about 20 years ago and have declined rapidly since, but our adolescents are still binge drinking at higher rates than their peers in similar countries overseas.

Joe spoke to Jude Ball, from the Department of Public Health, who co-authored the study on the matter. 

We start off with a conversation with ACT’s Brooke van Velden about the housing crisis and how to boost housing supply. 

Stella then speaks with Angela Maynard from the Tenants Protection Association about the human rights commission’s call for an independent housing authority and rental WOFs

This is followed by Stella chatting with Georgia Pigot, an environmental social scientist from the university of auckland about the third round of funding for the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund

Alex then speaks with Associate Professor Kevin Simon of the University of Auckland about microplastic pollution in freshwater. 

And then with Steven Trewick of Massey University about his research into six new Weta species in the alpine region of the south island.

Finally, Stella speaks with ben Birks Ang, deputy director of the NZ drug foundation, about recent police wastewater statistics showing increases in methamphetamine. 

Alex speaks with Steven Trewick of Massey University about his research into six new Weta species in the alpine region of the south island.

Last week a new study released detailed gaps in mental health services for rainbow youth. Researchers at Victoria University of Wellington surveyed more than 950 people aged 14 to 24 in “the first study of mental health support experiences among rainbow rangatahi in Aotearoa New Zealand.” Joe spoke to Clinical Psychologist Gloria Fraser, who co-authored the study, on the matter.