The Wire with Caeden

Dementia is expected to double in the next 20 years in Aotearoa, but for Pasifika and Māori, it’s expected to triple. 

New research shows the risk of developing dementia is 60% higher for people living in the most deprived areas of NZ compared to those in the least deprived areas.

Because of the disproportionate representation of Māori and Pasifika in lower socio-economic groups, the risk of those developing dementia also sits at a disproportionately high level. 

Senior lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland, Etuini Ma’u led the public health expert briefing that took a deep dive into the research. 

Producer Evie spoke to Ma’u about the factors of poverty that lead to this increased dementia risk, and how these can be combated on both an individual and wider structural level.

Last Thursday, following a six day tangihanga to honour the passing of Kīngi Tūheitia, a new Māori monarch was selected.

That monarch is his youngest child and only daughter, Kuini Nga wai pono i te po. Kuini Nga wai is 27 years old making her the second-youngest Māori monarch to be appointed, and only the second female monarch of the Kiingitanga. 

Kuini Nga wai’s ascension to the throne signals a new era and forward movement for the Kiingitanga. 

Producer Evie spoke to University of Auckland kaiārahi, Waikato descendant, and whānau of the Kiingitanga, Tui Kaumoana-Steedman about how Kuini Nga wai was selected for the role. 

They also discussed how she may take the Kiingitanga in a new direction, what issues she’ll be aiming to highlight, and how her rule may have an effect on Aotearoa as a whole.

The UK government has decided to suspend its exports of parts for fighter jets, helicopters and drones to Israel, saying there is a clear risk the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law.

In response, Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has renewed its calls for the New Zealand government to suspend exports of Rakon bomb components to the US for the bombs it sends to Gaza.

This comes as over 40,000 Palestinian people, including over 16,000 children, have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7th. 

Producer Sofia spoke to the National Chair of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, John Minto, about the UK government suspending arms shipments, whether Aotearoa New Zealand should follow its lead, and the New Zealand government’s response. 

She started the interview asking why the UK has suspended its arms shipments to Israel.

Wire Host Caeden speaks to Labour’s Shanan Halbert about Labour’s attendance at Palestine protests in Tāmaki Makaurau and the newly announced National Land Transport Programme and its lack of support for public transport.

And for State of the States this week, they speak to Yale Daily News’ Andre Fa’aoso about the ballot measures, college political campaign groups, and the recent school shooting in the state of Georgia.

For City Counselling this week, Sofia catches up with Councillor Shane Henderson about changes to Auckland Council’s committee structure, a proposal to introduce fortnightly rubbish collection, and what the government’s National Land Transport Programme means for Auckland

She also speaks to Associate Professor at the Department of Tourism at the University of Otago, Julia Albrecht, about the government introducing an increase to the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. 

She also speaks to the National Chair of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, John Minto, about the UK government suspending arms shipments to Israel and whether Aotearoa New Zealand should follow its lead.