The Wire with Caeden

Te Hiringa Mahara, the Mental Health and Well-being Commission released a report earlier this month about Pasifika’s mental health and well-being both during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The report highlights inequities Pasifika experienced during the pandemic and reflects on united Pasifika communities in the name of remaining resilient in adverse circumstances. In the report, there are key points that emphasise systemic inequities in regard to mental health support for Pasifika. The commission's findings reinforce the strong values-based relationships Pasifika have with others. Although the underlying call for more mental health and well-being support for the Pasifika community remains. 

To talk more about the report, its findings, and what recommendations can be made for targeted support and reform Andre Fa'aoso spoke to Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive of the Mental Health and Well-being Commission.

Last week, secondary school teacher strikes resumed after the Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) voted to decline a pay offer from the Ministry of Education. Bargaining continues amongst PPTA and the Ministry of Education, as many parents and students alike have joined in on protests in hopes to return to the classroom. 

Camilla Highfield is the Deputy Dean for the University of Auckland Faculty of Education and Social Work. Wire producer Rosetta spoke with Camilla about where she thinks the strikes are going, why they're important, and what change our teachers need to feel more supported.  

This week for her weekly catchup with Dr Shane Reti, Milly speaks to him about National's new policy surrounding being tougher on gang members, she also covers the world-class methanphetamine recovery programme Te Ara Oranga, and finally she touches on the use of memes in political social media. 

This week on Dear Science, the Tuesday Wire team sit down with Allan Blackman to talk dead flies speeding up the ageing of those that are alive, the size of the earth and how that was figured out, as well as what happens to your brain when you spend too long in space.