The Wire with Caeden

Last week the government finally launched their Youth Offender Military Academies, more commonly known as ‘boot camps’. 

Since their announcement, the idea of the camps has caused a lot of concern surrounding their effectiveness and treatment of youth. 

The first camp has taken in 10 youth, nine of which are Māori. 

In Aotearoa’s history as well as globally, there is repeated evidence that a tough approach to boot camps hasn’t been effective in lowering youth crime, or rehabilitating the youth involved. 

On top of this, the release of the royal commission of inquiry into abuse in state care last week has amplified concerns that these boot camps may contribute to a cycle of abuse, particularly for Māori youth. 

Producer Evie spoke to lecturer in counselling, human services and social work at the University of Auckland Kendra Cox about what these boot camps may look like, and the potential impact they’ll have on Māori youth.

Last year, the University of Auckland conducted a study into how compostable products affect soil health, which was commissioned by the Ministry of Environments.

THREE new reports have been published about the findings, which advocate for better regulations around these products.

Wire Host Joel spoke to PhD Candidate in Environmental Sciences at the University of Auckland, Nargiss Taleb, about the fundings of the study, and what this means for soil quality.

Last week the government released the findings of the inquiry into abuse in care that was established in 2018. This inquiry was established to investigate abuse in faith and state-based care from 1950 to 1999. Māori, Pacific, and Disabled rangatahi were all overrepresented in this report.

Now people are asking what to expect next when there is evidence abuse in state care remains ongoing, and while the government has promised an official apology and redress scheme.

Wire Host Caeden spoke to the University of Auckland’s Stephen Winter about the report, how it compares to international standards, and what we can expect to come next as a result of the report.

Wable, a social media networking app inspired by the television series ‘Love on the Spectrum,’ which has been designed specifically for neurodiverse individuals, is set to release in New Zealand in the coming days.

Joel spoke with CEO and Co-Founder of the app, Holly Fowler, and Love on the Spectrum star and ambassador for Wable, Michael Theo, about what sets this social media platform apart from others, and the importance of designing applications in mind for people who are neurodiverse.