The Wire with Caeden

It’s the final regular Thursday Wire for 2019 - and things went overtime. 

On today’s show: 

• Minister Andrew Little is here for his final interview of the year. He talks to Stewart Sowman-Lund about a major criminal justice announcement this morning. Plus, his thoughts on a potential merger between NZME and Stuff.
• After that, Justin previews the UK election coming up tonight New Zealand-time. Are the Conservatives going to regain a majority?
• Then, Mary-Margaret speaks to the Tupuna Maunga Authority and Generation Zero about developments at Owairaka.
• And lastly, the final Neighbourhood Watch for 2019. Australia’s burning both literally and metaphorically… Our correspondent Zoe tells brings us the latest.

All that plus a super speedy Poll Position, regular texter Peter’s angry about the EU, and someone wants cat stories. It’s The Thursday Wire and it’s gone crazy.

Justin talks to Professor Richard Whitman of Kent University about the UK's potential foregin policy direction after the general election.

On the 18th December, the final reading of Te Pire kia Unuhia te Hara kai Runga i a Rua Kēnana The Rua Kēnana Pardon Bill will take place at Parliament. Following that, there will be a gathering at Maungapōhatu of the Crown and the descendants of Rua Kēnana himself. Lillian Hanly had the opportunity to visit Maungapōhatu late last month. There, she took part in a working bee being held in preparation of the gathering and was able to talk to those present about what they thought of the Bill, and what they hoped the future would look like. 

Thanks to NZ History and Tamsin Hanly for background information.

Photo credit: NZ History

On Dear Science with AUT’s Marcus Jones we are talking about modern societies and early humans.

Felix spoke to Mayor Phil Goff about the most recent Auckland Council annual budget and how they plan to cut their emissions by 20%, he also talked about the ongoing bus lockout in and the Prime Minister’s decision to move Auckland’s port.

Lillian visited Te Urewera recently in the leadup to the statutory pardon from the government to Rua Kēnana and his descendants, she spoke to a number of his mokopuna about their thoughts on the pardon and the future.