The Wire with Caeden

For our regular catch-up with the Labour Party, Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader, Carmel Sepuloni, about the 2023 Pacific Islands Forum. 

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Epidemiologist, Professor Michael Baker, about his concerns that Aotearoa is entering a ‘fifth wave’ of Covid-19. 

Producer Beth spoke to Counsellor for Waitakere, Shane Henderson, about the Council’s consultation on government direction and improvement to Tāmaki Makaurau’s freshwater and community involvement in freshwater management

She spoke to Professor of Law at the University of Auckland Claire Charters about the relationship between co-governance, te Tiriti o Waitangi and human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand, and how our co-governance arrangement could better reflect te Tiriti and the rights of indigenous peoples

She also spoke to Volunteer at the Better NZ Trust Rob Birnie about national support for the Clean Car Discount and the National Party’s plan to scrap the policy

Producer Castor spoke to Professor of Environment at the University of Auckland, Giovanni Coco, about the removal of mangroves across Aotearoa and its negative consequences for the environment.

In the past year, New Zealanders have purchased a record number of pure electric vehicles at over 24,000, along with 88,000 hybrids, according to the Ministry of Transport. The new government has stated their intentions to scrap the Clean Car Discount along with the Ute Tax from December 31st.

Beth spoke with Volunteer at Better NZ Trust Rob Birnie about national support for the Clean Car Discount, and began asking him if he thought the Clean Car Discount had influenced people’s decision to purchase a pure electric vehicle or hybrid.

Councils across Aotearoa have been removing mangroves for various reasons including for aesthetics, beach access, and reduced muddiness. 

However, mangroves actually reduce muddiness on their own, as well as supporting local ecosystems and minimising flood risk. 

Producer Castor spoke to University of Auckland Professor of Environment, Giovanni Coco, about the removal of mangroves and how this can harm New Zealand’s wetlands and estuaries.

For our weekly catch up with the Green Party Rawan spoke with Green MP Ricardo Menendez March. 

They spoke about the Greens record election results and what this will mean moving forward.

They also spoke about the Waiheke ferry services and the party’s campaign for subsidised transport especially with the new ferry service Island direct launching this week.

Rawan then asked about the Green Party’s support of Palestine and their involvement with recent Pro-Palestine marches.