The Wire with Castor

This week on the Wire, Emily Bell speaks with University of Canterbury Epidemiology Professor Arindam Basu about the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron. 

Jemima Huston talks to political commentator David Slack about the National Party leadership vote expected later this afternoon. 

Emily discusses the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis and the call for the New Zealand aid with the World Christian Service Director Murray Ovetron.

Jemima interviews Maria Bellringer from the Gambling and Addictions Research Centre at AUT about gambling habits in lockdown, online gambling in New Zealand and gambling regulation. 

Finally, Jemima speaks to Peter Dickens, Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ, about Giving Tuesday and supporting the Foundation. 

Perfusionists are highly trained medical professionals that operate heart-lung machines during surgical procedures. Auckland perfusionists intend to strike later this week to take industrial action regarding the pay freeze that affects salaries over $100,000. Omar Hamed, advocate for Apex Union perfusionists, spoke to Charlie regarding why the strike is important for perfusionists and how the strike will affect elective surgeries.

Today on the show Jessica Hopkins speaks to Associate Professor James Ussher from the University of Otago about Rapid Antigen testing and University students Harry and Ned about their New Zealand sign language interactive cards.

Producer Ilena speaks to Associate Professor Helen Roberts from the University of Otago School of Business about a study she co-authored into the positive association between women on boards and more women in senior management.

She also spoke to Counsellor Pippa Coom about the Mayoral Conservation Awards which were held online last night, and a recent ground-breaking poll that gathered public opinion on the restoration and conservation of the Hauraki Gulf.

For their final interview together for the year, Pippa and Ilena talked about the Mayoral Conservation Awards. The awards were held online last night and recognise and reward the commitment and work of those in our communities who take a leading role in the environmental space. 

They also talked about a groundbreaking new poll that shows huge public support for measures to protect and restore the Hauraki Gulf, which the Hauraki Gulf Forum will be taking to the government.