The Wire with Caeden

Genetically Modified Technologies have struggled to receive research or approval for innovative technologies in New Zealand.

Trishil spoke to Ganesh Nana from the New Zealand Productivity Commission to discuss why the current regulations should be reviewed and overhauled, and the flow on effects of these calls.

Christina kicked off the show with her regular catch up with AUT Professor Allan Blackman for Dear Science. Today, they discussed the anniversary of the first man in space, researchers separating a complete genomic sequence for the very first time, and a physics puzzle that may change how we understand the universe.

Christina also reported on the ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka. She spoke to economist Anushka Wijesinha and constitutional lawyer Bhavani Fonseka.

Aneeka spoke to Dr Shane Reti from the National Party about the Maori Health Authority and 21 million dollars in expired vaccines that are now wasted.

And Trishil spoke to Ganesh Nana from the New Zealand Productivity Commission about calls for new regulations on genetically modified organisms.

Aotearoa has the third highest rate of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD in the world, but essential medication is still unavailable due to Pharmac’s budget. Ustekinumab, otherwise known by its brand name – Stelara was approved by MedSafe in 2018 and is already funded in Australia. Crohn’s & Colitis NZ petitioned to get Stelara funded here last year - receiving 30,000 signatures. This led to Pharmac testifying before the petitions committee in October last year – where they said Stelara is needed but they still don’t have the funding. Sam Clark spoke to the Chair of Crohn’s & Colitis NZ, Dr Richard Stein about what has happened since.

Peter the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton will be shown in the Auckland War Memorial Museum from Friday 15th April. 

Peter is one of the most complete T-Rex fossils ever discovered and is being shown for the first time to the public right here in Auckland. The exhibit is free to all visitors. 

Dr Matt Rayner, Curator of Land Vertebrates at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, spoke with Charlie today about the exhibit and the curation of the fossil.