The Wire with Joel

The current benefits system is from a different time, harking back to times of World Wars and the Great Depression. The most common recipient of the benefit is no longer a male Pākehā war hero, but rather solo mothers, and disproportionately mothers who are Māori, Pasifika or have disabilities. These women are subjected to intrusive investigations, probing questions, regulations that keep them from seeking work, and policies that keep them from pursuing meaningful relationships.

95bFM reporter Rachel Simpson spoke to Georgie Craw, executive officer of Child Poverty Action Group. The group recently released a briefing paper calling for the government to take urgent action on the benefits system, which was delivered to the Prime Minister’s electoral office, along with a petition signed by 8,000 people.

On the Wire today: Professor Jim Mann joins us to discuss food advertising and whether the government needs to bring in more regulations. Southern Cross is back discussing all the news across the Pacific. Sherry chats with Sophie Handford, national convenor for School Strike for Climate. Finally, Green Party Co-Leader James Shaw has his regular chat with Jemima, this week discussing emissions from business and the climate crisis risk assessment.

On this week's Netural Corner we look at media coverage of the recent Israeli election from i24 News and Press TV.

Producer Bronnie speaks with Tali Williams, National Secretary of FIRST Union's Retail, Finance and Commerce Division, about why buisinesses need to be transparent about disparities in their pay.