The Wire with Joel

Stewart talks to Broadcast Minister Kris Faafoi about TVNZ's falling full-year net profit.

Manukau ward councillor Efeso Collins and other South Auckland community members are calling for a return of youth worker funding after an increase in gang violence. Funding cuts to crime prevention programmes have left youth in the area severely lacking in mentors able to give them a healthy direction in life. Councillor Collins spoke to reporter William Boyd about the lack of support and the negative effects that has had on South Auckland. William started off by asking what youth workers do to help.

This week on the Wednesday Wire:

On Dear Science with AUT’s Marcus Jones we talk deforestation in Brazil as the Amazon fires continue, harnessing solar energy and optimism and life expectancy

We have Fletcher Tabuteau, deputy leader of the NZ First party this week talking about National’s economic policy document, the commerce commission's report on fuel prices and the forthcoming Infrastructure Commission

William Boyd is joining us as a Wire producer on Wednesdays and his first piece is speaking to councillor Efeso Collins about the need for youth workers in South Auckland

Finally, Tuwhenuaroa spoke to the head of the Mental Health Foundation Shaun Robinson about the most recent chief coroner’s report regarding NZ’s high suicide rates

Justin talks to Hamilton Mayor Andrew king on the Hamilton-Auckland rail.

On Green Desk, Mitch spoke to Environment Minister David Parker about a new Policy Statement on soil quality.

Oscar talks to Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick about Piki, a mental health pilot program.

International Desk looks into the local and international politics surrounding the Amazon fires.

Lillian talks to DeRay McKesson on the power of naming or defining, the commercialisation of activism and hope.