The Wire with Joel

It’s no secret Trump spilled some highly-classified beans last week during his meeting in the White House with the Russian Foreign Minister. But what actually went down? What’s the significance of this revelation for US national security? And will there be any consequences for Trump? 95bFM’s Ximena Smith reports.  

A new project aiming to increase youth engagement in politics in New Zealand has been launched. Active Citizenship Aotearoa is aiming to empower, engage and educate young New Zealanders to become active citizens. Young people make up 20 percent of the voting age population in New Zealand, yet have the lowest level of electoral enrolment across all age groups. Active Citizenship Aotearoa say they are failed by an inconsistent standard of education nationwide, and are not taught about voting, democracy or civic affairs. The group are planning to create education campaigns to equip young people to be active citizens, who understand and participate in the governance of their communities. Reporter Sam Smith spoke to one of the founders Isabella Lenihan-Ikin. 

We look at new research from Unitec showing significant numbers of students are considering dropping out because of financial struggles. Including interviews with Alison Dow, Manager of Student Engagement and Experience at Unitec, NZUSA President Jonathon Gee, AUSA President Will Matthews and students from Auckland University. 

Senior taxation lecturer at Massey Univeristy, Deborah Russell, has co-authored a book with Terry Baucher, director of tax consultancy firm, Baucher Consulting Limited. In Tax and Fairness, they propose a modernised system, which would more accurately reflect the New Zealand's economy in 2017. Producer Ben speaks with Russell, also the Labour Party's candidate for New Lynn, about why New Zealand's tax system needs an overhaul.