The Wire with Jessica

For our weekly catch up with the Green Party Rawan spoke with Party Co-Leader James Shaw about some of the issues they have recently voiced concerns about.

First off Rawan asked about their push for progress on protection around the Hauraki Gulf. Earlier this week the green party wrote to the incoming government, to call for the progression without delay of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill. James also spoke about the importance of this bill and the need for ocean protection in the Hauraki gulf.

They then discussed the party’s recent petition to save the oil and gas ban, which the new government plans to lift. James spoke about the pressing need for banning oil and gas exploration and what the alternative options are.

Finally Rawan asked about the party’s stance on the new government's changes to the smoke free legislations and what this could mean for New Zealanders.

Earlier this week the new National ACT and NZ First government announced that in order to fund Nationals promised tax cuts they will be making changes to the Smoke free Legislation.

This includes revoking the ban on the sale of cigarettes to future generations, reducing nicotine levels and limiting the number of tobacco retailers.

Many organisations have come forward to express their concern about this change including the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand. 

This morning Rawan spoke with the foundation’s CEO, Letitia Harding about the negative health impacts of this change, National’s claim that the legislation would lead to a growth in the black market and what we need to do to protect Aotearoa’s youth from lung and heart disease.

Feral and unashamed, pigeons are the hallmark of any great city.

But the line between urban legend and rat with wings is blurred, leaving the pigeon an animal of mystery and intrigue. 

Once domesticated pets, pigeons now roam the streets as one of the biggest birds on the block.

It is estimated that there are between 250 to 400 million feral pigeons globally, raising the question: are there too many?

Sofia spoke to bird connoisseur and Auckland Regional Representative for Birds New Zealand, Ian Mclean, for insight into the complex existence of feral pigeons.

Last year alone, SIXTY THREE deceased organ donors, with support from whānau, donated organs following death, providing lifesaving kidney, liver, lung, heart or pancreas transplants for ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR kiwis.

On Thursday, 30th November, Organ Donation New Zealand and organ donation recipients across the country will come together to say thanks to everyone involved in making organ donation possible.

Lou talked to Sue Garland, Donor Coordinator for Organ Donation New Zealand about this day further.