The Wire with Caeden

In March, Ministers from six Pacific states issued the Port Vila call for a global, just and equitable phase out of coal, oil and gas, asking fellow Pacific leaders to show their support in a Leaders Declaration at the Pacific Island Forum. Social change organisation Oxfam Aotearoa has joined in support of the call, and is urging New Zealand and Australia to support a movement towards a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific. 

Rosetta spoke to Nick Henry, Climate Justice Lead at Oxfam Aotearoa about the phase out of fossil fuels, and whether or not this is a realistic movement under a National government.

Thanks for tuning in! E whai akei nei, on the show today…

Rosetta spoke to Nick Henry, Climate Justice Lead at Oxfam Aotearoa, about their call for New Zealand and Australian governments to endorse the Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific

She also spoke to Speaking to Susan St John, Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Auckland's Business School about The future of child poverty under a National Government and their goal to halve child poverty by 2028

Rosetta also spoke to Climate Justice Taranaki's Tuhi-Ao Bailey about the blockades of major dairy, gas, and fertiliser companies on the anniversary of the invasion of Parihaka on 5 November 1881 last week.

For our weekly catch up with the ACT party, Lou spoke with ACT MP Simon Court about any updates towards the coalition between National, ACT, and NZ First, as well as ACTs response to Chlöe Swarbick’s use of the Chant “From the River to the Sea” when calling for Palestinian liberation.

Lou also spoke with Jane Alsweiler, associate professor and neo-natal paediatrician at the University of Auckland in regards to RSV drug funding.

Drug checking providers have reported seeing an increase in a group of synthetic opioids, nitazines, being sold as other substances, with the High Alert warning this week about a highly potent synthetic opioid being misrepresented as butonitazene. 

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to NZ Drug Foundation Principal Science Advisor Emily Hughes about this recent development. 

She started off the interview asking Hughes why they are concerned about the growing prevalence of nitazenes in the community, especially if they are being sold as something else.

Care and support workers are currently in the midst of a pay equity agreement, with all three major unions undertaking work to make sure workers are paid equitably. 

The workers, predominantly women, last received a pay rise in 2017, and their wages have simply not matched the cost of living. In some cases workers, who often use their own cars to drive to clients, have to stay beyond their paid hours just to make sure the people they are caring for receive the appropriate care. 

Te Whatu Ora has delayed the pay equity settlement, despite not being directly involved in the relationship between employees and employers. This has got some union members and representatives riled up. 

Following international Care And Support day, Arno spoke to the Public Service Association assistant secretary Melissa Woolley. Arno started our interview by asking what the PSA is and what it does. 

Next, Arno spoke to a Care And Support worker named Monique Behan-Kitto. They have unique insight into the struggles faced by workers and the struggle for pay equity. Arno started our interview by asking about Monique’s role as a care and support worker.