The Wire with Caeden

Advertising: it's a huge part of our day-to-day lives, even when we're not actively consuming. Concerningly, it seems many children are now frequently exposed to the oversaturation of brands and marketing in our lives. A new study from the University of Otago has found children are exposed to five hundred and fifty four brands a day, which equals to almost one brand every sixty seconds. This study is the first glimpse into how children are exposed to marketing on a daily basis.

Christina spoke with Associate Professor Leah Watkins, who co-led the study, about what these results mean for consumer culture and our society.

This week on the Wednesday Wire, we start with Dear Science with Allan Blackman who joins us live in the studio for our first show of the year. Today Christina Huang asks Allan about the link between cataracts and dementia, the nutritional value of huhu bugs, and a clue on mars that could hint at past life on the planet.

Jemima Huston interviews ACT Party Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden about her party’s goals for 2022, the inevitable Omicron outbreak in New Zealand and the Tonga volcanic eruption and tsunami disaster. 

Christina talks to Dr Xaviour Walker from the University of Otago about the disaster in Tonga and the subsequent health impacts that will affect the Tongan people. 

Christina wraps up the show with a conversation with Associate Professor Leah Watkins about a recent study of marketing, where researchers found kids are exposed to one brand almost every minute.

The Pūtiki Protectors have been occupying Pūtiki Bay (Kennedy Point) on Waiheke Island since March 9 2021, to protect ancestral moana by stopping the construction of the Kennedy Point Marina. Tomorrow a hikoi has been organised to the Auckland High Court to support the Pūtiki 32 who were served an injunction banning them from protesting peacefully at Pūtiki Bay. The first court hearing regarding the injunction is taking place tomorrow following the hikoi. 

News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Zane Wedding from Mana Rākau - Save Our Trees, an ally of the Protect Pūtiki Movement, about the hikoi tomorrow, how the injunction came about and how people can support the movement. 

The hikoi starts at 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 19 January 2022) at The Cloud in downtown Auckland. Head to the event page or the Protect Pūtiki Facebook and Instagram for more information. 

Every Summer sharks return inland for feeding and to nurse their young. As shark presence increases, sightings and fear rises, but during these times the public must remain respectful to sharks. Department of Conservation's Clinton Duffy spoke with Charlie about shark activity, and how the public can help preserve the life of sharks on New Zealand's coasts.