The Wire with Castor

This week on our fortnightly chat with Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson, Jessica Hopkins asked about Siren Battles in West Auckland that have been disrupting residents in Te Atatū and Massey. 

They also discussed what the Auckland Council is doing to support those who have had their income affected by COVID-19 restrictions. 

Back in December, Kiwi Rail announced that same-day passenger services crossing New Zealand such as the Auckland to Wellington Northern Explorer Line and the Picton to Christchurch Coastal Pacific.

Communities around the country have come together to form the Save Our Trains Campaign to push for the continuation of cross-island train lines.

The movement has already seen some success, with KiwiRail reaching out to its supporters with surveys about the Northern Explorer. Liam Hansen chatted with spokesperson Paul Callister about the movement and what’s coming next. 

Fresh off of Aotearoa banning conversion therapy, the Green Party has launced a petition to establish a Ministry for Rainbow Communities in the New Zealand. 

Green’s Rainbow Spokesperson Dr Elizabeth Kerekere has stressed a lack of a home in the government  for these communities, and that quote “A Rainbow Ministry would grow the capacity of the public sector to support, empower, and resource our communities.”

Liam Hansen spoke to Claire Black, the general manager of nationwide rainbow support organisation OutLine Aotearoa about how a ministry could affect the community.

For the final time, Justin spoke with Health Minister Andrew Little on homeless communities under the home isolation scheme, National MP Matt Doocey's youth mental health summit, and making flu vaccines free for more people.