The Wire with Caeden

In light of the government’s announcement to reinstate the prisoner’s voting ban, the decision has received significant criticism.

Such criticisms include the ban being described as a violation of fundamental rights, and a weak incentive for criminals

Producer Faith spoke to criminology lecturer from the University of Auckland, and press spokesperson for People Against Prisons Aotearoa Dr. Emmy Rākete, and how she feels about the move.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in London. Starmer thanked Aotearoa for its “support” for its “coalition of the willing” regarding safeguarding the potential peace deal being put forward by the Trump Administration.

However, concerns have been raised about what the administration is proposing, which could result in original Ukraine land annexed by Russia, such as Crimea in 2014, belonging to Moscow, and ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine.

News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Host, Joel, spoke to Robert Patman, a Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, about his article on the Conversation, discussing his concerns regarding this and how New Zealand should move forward in reiterating support for Ukraine.

*This caption has been edited to add "safeguarding" regarding Luxon and Starmer's meeting in London while discussing Ukraine and Russia.

A recent review of Pharmac, also known as Te Pātaka Whaioranga,  has found their current approach not fit for purpose, calling for an overhaul of their strategy and internal culture. 

The pharmaceutical management agency faced criticism last year as a result of a lack of credibility and inconsistency of services. 

With the proposal this week to scrap Pharmac’s Māori directorate, concerns were especially emphasised about the equitable outcomes for Maaori and Pasifika populations.

While the aim of the independent review was to look into ways to improve the services of Pharmac, it found that staff were sceptical that any meaningful changes could occur.

Producer Sara spoke with University of Auckland’s Professor of Health Economics Paula Lorgelly about the review and what changes are necessary. She started by asking about the key findings

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced a total ban on prisoners voting will be reinstated. 

The move has been criticised by the opposition parties, as well as those working in criminal justice.

Today is May Day, also known as International Workers Day and unions across Aotearoa are taking action against what they say is an “anti-worker agenda” from this government.

Workers across a wide range of industries are stopping work and taking strike action. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these issues.