The Wire with Caeden

This week on the Wednesday Wire, the show kicks off with Christina having her regular segment Dear Science with AUT Professor Allan Blackman. They speak on the running of the bulls; discuss how spaceflight can affect the body; and talk about why getting rid of cataracts in our eyes could reduce the risk of dementia.

After that, Christina speaks with the Chair of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, Hayden Wano, about their Te Rau Tira wellbeing report, and how we can improve outcomes for vulnerable communities in Aotearoa. 

Then, Zazi talks to the Director of Research for Massey Business School and Professor of Retail Management, Jonathan Elms, about the Franchise sector growing in contribution, despite the pandemic.

And finally, Zazi has her regular talk with ACT's Brooke van Velden, where they talk about Brooke’s favourite political moments of the year, goals for next year as well as her summer plans. 

Today, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission released their Te Rau Tira wellbeing report. This report looks into the wellbeing of New Zealanders over the past year. With the Covid-19 pandemic raging on, it's a good time to check in on how Kiwis are holding up!

The report highlights the inequities in wellbeing faced by marginalised groups such as Māori, Pasifika, and women. 

I spoke with the Commission's Board Chair, Hayden Wano, about the findings of the report, what it means for the community, and how we should narrow our focus to help those who have suffered disproportionately.

Today on the Tuesday Wire, Emily Bell interviews New Zealand Disarmament and Arms Control Minister Phil Twyford about the government's commitment to an international ban of killer robots in war. 

Jemima Huston speaks to Anna Madarasz-Smith from LAWA about an online tool called Can I Swim Here? that can help you decide where to swim safely this summer. 

Emily talks to campaign organiser Tessa Guest about the Free Fares initiative, which is calling for all students and people under twenty-five to have zero transport fares in New Zealand.

Jemima speaks to Stacey van der Putten from Auckland Transport about how lockdown has impacted public transport and how AT is working to keep people safe under the red setting 

LAWA's Can I Swim Here? is a handy online tool designed to help New Zealanders make educated and safe decisions about where they choose to swim. News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Project Lead for Can I Swim Here? Anna Madarasz-Smith about the tool. They discuss the state of water quality in Aotearoa, what is being done to prevent water contamination, and how to use Can I Swim Here?