The Wire with Caeden

Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker spoke to Noah Ferguson-Dudding about the government's latest announcements around Covid-19. They discussed how New Zealand can open up to the rest of the world, while still pursuing an elimination strategy, as well as the potential risks of varients.

A new study from the University of Otago will investigate the long term effects of elite sport on athletes in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Paralympics. Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to Dr Xaviour Walker, who is leading the study, about what he hopes to find.

Noah also spoke to Dr David Gerrard, a former Olympic swimmer who is also involved in the study, about how the wellbeing of elite athletes has changed over time.

Ilena spoke with Terry Bellamak, president of ALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa, and Jackie Edmond, the Chief Executive of Family Planning, on the new bill that has passed in Western Australia that grants 'safe access zones' around abortion providers. Those seeking abortions would not be harrassed by anti-abortion protestors within a 150 metre radius of any clinic. This brings Western Australia up to speed with the legislation in place in the rest of Australia- but New Zealand still does not provide any kind of protection for those visiting these centres. 

Ilena discusses with Terry and Jackie the current bill being proposed to the government that looks to change this, and how it falls short in some areas, as well as what they would like to see changed to ensure more equitable and protected access to abortion.

Justin spoke to Health Minister Andrew Little about the new health indicators as part of the health sector reforms, and the bill to ban conversion therapy passing first reading at Parliament.