The Wire with Joel

As grocery prices rise during Auckland's lockdown, then need for food packages has risen with it. With the government providing less economic aid to families during the current lockdown than during last years restrictions, Food Banks and Missions are wanting to see more government support to citizens in need. Charlie spoke to Janet McAllister, spokesperson for Child Poverty Action Plan, about what should be offered to those struggling to alleviate mounting pressures off charitable groups.

The government has announced they are revoking the 'Three Strikes Policy' introduced by the National Party in 2010. The policy imposes the maximum punishment on a violent offender after their third offence. While it aimed to keep the worst criminals out of society, it has since been criticised for absurd and disproportionate sentences on offenders. Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to Professor Andrew Geddis from the University of Otago about the policy, its potential flaws, and future improvements he would like to see to Aotearoa's criminal justice system.

On Tuesday, a study conducted by the Victoria University of Wellington showed how coastal risks could be reduced now instead of waiting for legislation. The report comes timely with the COP26 conference in Glasgow, as world leaders discuss how they can reach global emission reduction targets. Author of the study, Dr Judy Lawrence, says her research analyses the difficulties of planning for the on-going sea level rise under a planning regime which is largely permissive and enables land-uses with very long timeframes. Joe speaks to Dr Judy Lawrence on the matter.

On their weekly chat, Justin and Health and GCSB Minister Andrew Little talked about the GCSB retiring the satellite dishes at Waihopai, home isolation for postive Covid community cases, and drugs to treat Covid.

Justin also spoke to Anti-Base Campaign's Murray Horton on retiring the Waihopai satellite dishes.

Producer Joe Wickins spoke to the University of Auckland's Kate Hannah on the spread of misinformation and disinformation since the Delta outbreak.

He also spoke to Judy Lawrence of Victoria University of Wellington on said how local leaders and planners can reduce risks from coastal threats without waiting for law reform.