The Wire with Caeden

On Monday, the government announced it would be introducing a cost of living relief package to kick in next month. In the wake of criticism over rising fuel prices and living costs increasing, the government is set to cut fuel taxes by 25 cents a litre, and halve all public transport fares.

Christina spoke to the Minister of Energy and Resources, Megan Woods, about the package, and what it means for New Zealanders. She also caught up with Robert MacCulloch, a professor of economics from the University of Auckland, to get his latest thoughts on the government’s announcement.

The long lasting effects of COVID-19 are becoming clearer to scientists, with long covid now presenting itself as a long term problem for those who have previously had COVID-19. Dr Anna Brooks from the University of Auckland spoke to Charlie about the concerns around long covid, and how to manage symptoms.

New Zealand's property revaluations were released on the 8th March, meaning rates in certain areas may be increasing. Chloe Wollard, valuations manager for Auckland City Council explains how the revaluation system works and why some suburbs are seeing such a large valuation increase. Auckalnd City Councillor, Shane Henderson, then discusses where your increased rates may be going, and how you can help shape the councils annual budget for 2022/2023.

With unanimous support, a bill passed through parliament under urgency which levies targeted sanctions towards Russia and key Russian figures. This Russia sanctions bill is New Zealand’s method of condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine without a resolution passing through the UN’s security council, which was previously the only legal way New Zealand could have imposed sanctions on Russia.

Casper spoke with Dr Robert Patman from the University of Otago about the bill, how it differs from a previously proposed autonomous sanctions bill, and what it says about New Zealand’s modern approach to international relations.