The Wire with Joel

Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker spoke to Noah Ferguson-Dudding about the government's latest announcements around Covid-19. They discussed how New Zealand can open up to the rest of the world, while still pursuing an elimination strategy, as well as the potential risks of varients.

Ilena spoke with Terry Bellamak, president of ALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa, and Jackie Edmond, the Chief Executive of Family Planning, on the new bill that has passed in Western Australia that grants 'safe access zones' around abortion providers. Those seeking abortions would not be harrassed by anti-abortion protestors within a 150 metre radius of any clinic. This brings Western Australia up to speed with the legislation in place in the rest of Australia- but New Zealand still does not provide any kind of protection for those visiting these centres. 

Ilena discusses with Terry and Jackie the current bill being proposed to the government that looks to change this, and how it falls short in some areas, as well as what they would like to see changed to ensure more equitable and protected access to abortion.

Justin spoke to Health Minister Andrew Little about new health indicators and the bill to ban conversion therapy.

He also reported on New Zealand's new strategy on Covid-19.

Producer Conor Head-McCarthy talked to entrepreneur Bridget Hawkins about her project to bring more diversity to the primary sector.

He also talked to Julie Chapman about her new Pet Refuge Centre, and energy analyst Molly Melhuish on recent power outages in the center North Island.

New Zealand's revamped Covid-19 strategy would include an accelerated vaccination rollout, a new individual risk-based border, and self-isolation at home for vaccinated travellers instead of two weeks at MIQ.

Justin Wong reports.