The Wire with Joel

This week on the Wire, Dear Science's Marcus Jones discusses the effect of satellite ‘megaconstellations’ on astronomy and the night sky, underwater heat contributing to the melting of Artic sea ice, and the growing prevalence of acronyms in research. 

Bronwyn talks to NZ First’s Tracey Martin about phase two of the Keeping it Real Online campaign,  low school attendance under alert level 2.5, and NZ First's support for the terrorist behind the Christchurch shootings being sent back to Australia to serve his sentence.

Producer Felix Walton speaks to Richard Wagstaff from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions about a petition to Andrew Little, the Minister of Workplace Relations for improvements to sick leave.

Felix also speaks to Paul Hobbs from MBIE about the new building consent exemptions announced by Minister Jenny Salesa on Monday. 

Lastly, Bronwyn speaks to Jess and Noor from Rainbow Elections 2020 about their LGBTQI+ policy tool for this year’s election.

As Auckland moves into level 2.5, restaurants, cafes and bars are once again opening their doors to customers. However, the industry's poor track record with providing sick leave to workers leaves communities vulnerable to Covid-19 transmission.

Hanna spoke to National Secretary of United Union Gerard Hehir about why working sick is so pervasive in the hospitality industry, and what can be done to address it.

With Auckland students returning to this school this week under Covid-19 Alert Level 2.5 restrictions, questions have been raised as to the safety of children and teachers. Should masks be mandatory in the classroom? Is physical distancing possible at school? Are schools breaching the gatherings limit of 10 people? Jemima Huston speaks to Auckland Primary Principals Association President Stephen Lethbridge and NZEI Te Riu Roa Immediate Past President Lynda Stuart about students returning to school safely in Level 2.5. 

New Zealand has seen two breaches of quarantine with two very different sentences leading to public speculation regarding unconscious bias contributing to systematic racism in our judicial system. Aneeka talks to AUT law professor Khylee Quince regarding whether these sentences were fair and in what ways unconscious bias does contribute to systematic racism in our justice system.