The Wire with Caeden

The Health Select Committee has given the go-ahead to the Smokefree Bill this week. The report makes additional recommendations such as limiting the number of tobacco retailers to no more than 600.

Yesterday, Action for Smokefree 2025 (ASH) released their Year 10 survey, which gave some insight into smoking amongst adolescents. The survey showed that smoking rates were declining, however, vaping rates were increasing. In addition, the survey a larger rise for Māori teens using tobacco.

Joe speaks to Professor Janet Hoek from the University of Otago, Wellington, on the matter.

The world is under growing pressure to find sustainable options to cut emissions. Using technologie to interfere in the climate and stop global warming is sounding more and more enticing. Technology entrepreneurs from around the globe claim to have the solutions using geo-engineering. What are those technologies and is it a good idea to use them? Do those technology solutions really lead to sustainable solutions? Or are we distracted by visions of a technological future and do they distract us from what is really needed: cutting emissions.

Daniel spoke with Cindy Baxter, an investigative researcher and policy advisor and she worked over 30 years on a range of environmental issues. 

The official terrorisiim risk of New Zealand has recently been moved down to low. 

The level, desginated the risk of a terror attack at any givn time, now states that a terror attack isn't likely, but possible. 

Aotearoa has been at a medium level since the Christchurch Terror Attacks, which caused the country to go into high for a month. 

To learn more, I spoke to Richard Jackson from the University of Otago about what this represents. 

A petition has recently been launched calling for the reforming of New Zealand's name change laws. 

Under the current system, those between the ages of 16 to 18 are still legally required to receive signed approval from both of their parents outside of certain circumstances. 

This can be especially an issue for trans tamariki who have rough relationships with parents, forcing deadnames in legal documents and objects. 

Liam had a chat with Willow Heron, who launched the petition, about the current state of our laws and what she thinks needs to change.