The Wire with Caeden

Currently Russia is moving more forces up to it's border with Ukraine, with Western powers concerned that an invasion may ahppen any day now. Dr Robert Patman of the University of Otago discussed with Charlie the current situation of what's happening at the border and why this is occuring. Dr Nick Smith of the University of Cantebury also spoke on the situation looking at past events and how this military move compares.

This week on the show, host Jessica Hopkins speaks to Ella Shepherd from Abortion Rights Aotearoa about the Safe Areas Ammendment Bill.

She also joins Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson for their regular chat. They discussed Siren Battles in West Auckland, support for people who have had their income affected by COVID-19 restrictions, and Celine Dion.

Producer Liam Hansen speaks to Paul Callister from Save our Trains about bringing back the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific Train Lines.

He also chatted to Claire Black from OutLine about increasing calls for a Rainbow Ministry to be set up in Aotearoa. 

Fresh off of Aotearoa banning conversion therapy, the Green Party has launced a petition to establish a Ministry for Rainbow Communities in the New Zealand. 

Green’s Rainbow Spokesperson Dr Elizabeth Kerekere has stressed a lack of a home in the government  for these communities, and that quote “A Rainbow Ministry would grow the capacity of the public sector to support, empower, and resource our communities.”

Liam Hansen spoke to Claire Black, the general manager of nationwide rainbow support organisation OutLine Aotearoa about how a ministry could affect the community.

Back in December, Kiwi Rail announced that same-day passenger services crossing New Zealand such as the Auckland to Wellington Northern Explorer Line and the Picton to Christchurch Coastal Pacific.

Communities around the country have come together to form the Save Our Trains Campaign to push for the continuation of cross-island train lines.

The movement has already seen some success, with KiwiRail reaching out to its supporters with surveys about the Northern Explorer. Liam Hansen chatted with spokesperson Paul Callister about the movement and what’s coming next.