The Wire with Caeden

The most widely discussed move from yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle was the Prime Minister's decision to demote Dr Shane Reti from his position as Minister for Health and replace him with Transport minister, Simeon Brown. 

Notably, Simeon Brown has zero experience working in the health sector, opposed to Reti’s 20 plus years practising as a doctor. 

However, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation say they’re not concerned with who the minister fronting the portfolio is, but instead with how the government is going to aptly fund and resource the health sector. 

Producer Evie spoke to Chief Executive of the organisation, Paul Goulter about the key issues that nurses are facing in the healthcare sector currently. They discussed how the cabinet reshuffle may possibly alter things in the healthcare sector, and what moves need to be made by the government in order to pick it up from the crisis it’s currently facing.

Public consultation on the use of puberty blockers in Aotearoa closes on the 20th January 2025; asking the public if further precautions or restrictions are needed, and what impacts these could have on young people.

Leading transgender health professionals have expressed concern over the government directing the Ministry to consult the public over gender affirming healthcare, questioning the appropriateness of opening consultation on a medical matter that has become highly politicised and subject to misinformation. 

Producer Sofia spoke to President of the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA), Jennifer Shields.

If you want to make a submission, you can email pbconsultation@health.govt.nz

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden speaks to Labour’s Shanan Halbert about the Treaty Principles Bill submissions, Regulatory Standards Bill, and Labour’s plans for 2025.

For State of the States this week they speak to Andre Fa’aoso from the Yale Daily News about the devastating Los Angeles Fires and president-elect Donald Trump’s threat to annex Greenland and Canada and take back the sovereign Panama Canal for the United States.

For City Counselling this week producer Sofia speaks to Councillor Julie Fairey about Council’s submission on the Local Government New Zealand issues paper exploring electoral reform and Auckland Council’s plans for 2025. 

She also speaks to President of PATHA - the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa - Jennifer Shields, about public consultation on puberty blockers closing next week.

The recent social security amendment bill is an extension of the government’s agenda to cut those on benefits by 50,000. While this may seem like a strategic move by the government, it is important to consider that they are not creating any new jobs and unemployment is at 4.8 percent as of September 2024.

The proposed changes aim to make it harder for those struggling to receive the benefit, additionally introducing 'money management' schemes, which splits the MSD payment onto a card which can only be used at specific locations. These changes are unrealistic, because many people already pay more than half of their income for rent.

Anti-Poverty groups have spoken out about this amendment and are aiming to raise awareness around this. These groups want the government to move away from using sanctions against people who need income support.

Sasha spoke to the Child Poverty Action Group’s Executive Officer, Sarita Divis about the social security bill amendment, and potential consequences for those seeking support.