The Wire with Caeden

Tonight at 11:59pm New Zealand will move to Phase Two of the government’s response to the Omicron outbreak. This does not make any difference to the red setting rules regarding access to public spaces, wearing masks in public, and contact tracing. Instead, this new phase will reduce isolation periods and narrow the meaning of a close contact. 

News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Lesley Gray from the University of Otago Wellington and Dr Dion O’Neale who is the Project Lead for Covid Modelling Aotearoa about what Phase Two actually means. They also discuss how New Zealanders should be responding to the increase in daily Covid-19 cases and whether the country is prepared for a shift to Phase Two. 

Valentine's Day has held a long tradition for lovers with high expectations becoming rife in modern day society. University of Auckland's Dr Jessica Maxwell spoke with Charlie about monogamous and non-monogamous relationship, how to have a successful dating life, and why being single can still be fun this day.

Lost and escaped domesticated parrots seem to be posing a problem to native bird species. Owning a parrot is surprisingly popular in New Zealand, with around 330 pet birds getting lost every year. University of Auckland's Margaret Stanley spoke with Charlie about the issue and how to keep your parrots safe.

This week on the show, host Jessica Hopkins investigated the newly announced critical worker home isolation exemption scheme. 

First, she spoke to Principal Investigator for Te Pūnaha Matatini COVID-19 modeling, Dr Emily Harvey about what replacing isolation with regular rapid antigen testing will mean. She also talked to First Union National Retail Organiser Ben Peterson and National Ambulance Coordinator Faye Mccan about how Omicron has affected retail workers and ambulance professionals. 

In her regular chat with Auckland Councillor Pippa Coom, Jessica asked about the outdoor dining grant scheme, and the launch of public consultation on the Councils annual budget.

Producer Liam Hansen spoke with doctor Kelly Burrows from The University of Auckland how new regulations for the sale of vape products could affect people's health.

Finally, Liam spoke to Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo from the Human Rights Commission about pay transparency.