The Wire with Caeden

In 1923, Te Rangi Hīroa (Sir Peter Buck) documented the last confirmed capture of a special fish – the upokororo or New Zealand grayling. Now, researchers are using using its ancient DNA to finally provide some answers to how it went extinct. 

Genetic data provides a new tool in the search for survivors. Environmental DNA in water samples from remote catchments can now be compared routinely to known DNA from the upokororo.

Fish populations are in sharp decline globally. Lessons learned from past extinctions, like that of the upokororo, can help us preserve fish species for future generations. Hopefully we can heed the lessons from the past.

Joe speaks to Dr Nic Rawlence from the Palaeogenetics Lab at the University of Otago on the matter.

A major research project has recently concluded, investigating the urban transformation of Ōutautahi Christchurch.

Made with the support of arts organisation  Life in Vacant Spaces, the project has reflected on the arts events and creative spaces that were formed at the outset of the earthquakes. 

The research also detailed the positive mental health affects of the installations and events, as well as some positive ecological impacts. 

Liam spoke to Massey University research fellow and lead researcher Kelly Dombroski, first asking her to run through the research titled Huritanga: ten years of transformational place-making.

Green Party MP Jan Logie has recently spearheaded an open letter to see welfare improved for parents of young children. 

Addressed to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the minister for Social Development, Carmel Sepuloni, the letter called for one central family support credit instead of multiple different kinds. 

Logie also calls for the Best Start Credit that supports parents through weekly paid instalments to be increased from one year of funds to three years after the baby is born.

The best start payment was introduced in 2018, giving families with under twelve month old's $60pw depending on their income, a number the Greens are also calling to be increased.

Liam spoke to Logie to learn more. 

The first round of Brazil’s presidential election takes place next Monday New Zealand time. 

The two front runners will be former President Lula and controversial current President Jair Bolsonaro.

There are worries Bolsonaro will refuse to accept the results of the election if he loses. This could spill out into violence.

David spoke to Brazilian New Zealander Pedro Mello about what could happen.