The Wire with Caeden

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Carmel Sepuloni about Labour MP Greg Connor’s comments on benefit sanctions and the dismantling of parts of the Whaikaha.

Most scientific framings of sleep problems often disregard Maori perspectives on spirituality and wellbeing, however recent research by Deanna Haami from Massey University has shown wairua is an important link to having a more holistic approach to health. The implications for physiological, mental and spiritual health from this study are important as sleep plays an important role in our daily life, including dreams and their relation to our health. Sasha spoke to Deanna Haami from Massey University on her recent study linking Wairua, sleep and health.

Last week, the Government announced a bill which they say will enable the development of time of use schemes, also known as congestion charges.

Generally, time of use schemes charge motorists to use roads depending on time and location. This encourages motorists to adjust their travel time, and method of transport to reduce road congestion.

Under the planned legislation, councils propose their own time of use schemes to the central government. Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency then provides strong oversight in the development of schemes to consider the impact on motorists and businesses.

Under the plan, all final proposals will require the approval of the central government.

Last year, Auckland Council voted in favour of a time of use scheme and has been planning to introduce it by 2025. However, there are concerns among experts that the proposed legislation may make it more difficult for the successful implementation of time of use schemes; by over-exposing councils to central government oversight.

Producer Josef spoke to one such expert, Senior lecturer in Urban Planning at the University of Auckland, Dr Timothy Welch, about the legislation, congestion charges, and how Auckland’s own scheme might be impacted.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith recently confirmed the new Human Rights and Race Relations Commissioners: Dr Stephen Rainbow and Dr Melissa Derby. Following the announcement, the two were met with controversy for previous discriminatory comments.

Dr Rainbow had previously criticised the platforming of transgender activist Shaneel Lal, and expressed anti-Palestine views. Dr Melissa Derby has similarly expressed anti-transgender views at events. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Katie Nimon, Wire host Castor asked about the appointment of these two individuals and the alignment of their views with the government. 

The government also recently announced one point three billion dollars of funding to address drink and drug driving. While the funding is appreciated by the NZ Police Association, there are worries that there aren’t enough police officers to meet the new targets. 

Castor discussed each of these issues with Katie in their weekly catchup.