The Wire with Joel

On the 23rd of March, under alert level 2, the Department of Conservation closed its hut and campsite bookings, and back-country huts closed under alert level three. However the Department has now announced that bookings for the Great Walks will reopen between the 9-11th of June, with the exception of the Milford and Routeburn tracks which are still undergoing storm repairs. Booking for all other DOC huts and campsites will repen on the 25th of June.

Bronwyn spoke to Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage about the reopening, differential pricing for international trampers, and general conservation current events in the wake of COVID-19. 

Justin spoke to Whānau Ora's North Island Commissioning Chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait about the Childrens' Commisioner report on Oranga Tamariki.

Justin talked to Massey University's Dr Rhys Ball about espionage in New Zealand during the Cold War.

Just a warning, the next piece will be covering abuse, which may be a sensitive topic for some listeners.

From 15th to the 22nd of June is elder abuse awareness week, with world elder abuse awareness day taking place on the 15th. With most abusers being family members, elder abuse in many situations isn't as reported due to shame or other complications it could create. In the wake of COVID-19, it has been seen how much support has been given to the elderly, with calls to make sure this continues. Starting off with a question about the current statistics surrounding elder abuse in New Zealand, I talked to Hanny Naus, a professional educator for Age Concern, a leading provider in New Zealand when it comes to elder abuse services.

If you feel that you may be a victim of elder abuse or may be witnessing it in your home, family or community, as Hanny said, give their number , 0800 65 2 105, a call to get free and confidential support.