The Wire with Caeden

This week on the Wednesday Wire:

Nicholas spoke to Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the Fast Track Approval Legislation and the IMF’s recommendations regarding New Zealand’s tax system. 

He also spoke to Professor Craig Elliffe about the IMF’s recommendations regarding reform in our tax system.

Oto spoke to Letitia Harding, the chief executive of the Asthma and Respiratory foundation, New Zealand, to talk about the government’s recent ban on disposable vapes.

He also spoke to Dr Susan Maiava, the Co Founder of the ethical directory “Fair and Good” to talk about a petition her organisation made to the government to re-introduce modern slavery legislation. 

To end the show, Sofia spoke to Professor Moana Theodore on the world leading Dunedin Study: How Will You Age?

The Fast Track approval legislation would enable the Ministers of transport, Infrastructure and Regional Development to approve consents for projects without going through the current considerations around communities and local and regional government, existing legislation regarding Te Tiriti and community participation.

Environmental activists have criticised the legislation as a potential avenue to undermine environmental considerations.

Nicholas spoke to Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez March about his Party’s stance on the legislation.  

They also spoke about the International Monetary Funds’ recommendations regarding reform in our tax system.

Last week, on Monday 18th March, Whaikaha - the Ministry for Disabled People announced that it was making changes to its Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services. 

These changes mean that people can no longer use disability funding for expenses that provide respite, self-care services for carers and whānau, gifts for volunteers providing support, and overseas and domestic travel costs. 

The changes came into effect the same day they were announced. 

Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to Labour MP and Spokesperson for Disability Issues, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, about these changes and the implications they will have for disabled communities and whānau. 

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced a batch of legislation aimed at reducing the prevalence of vaping amongst young people. These changes include a ban on disposable vapes and increased fines for those selling vapes to underaged buyers. 

Additionally, recent changes around disability funding eligibility have been criticised by many for removing access to essential services or leisure activities. 

Wire host Castor spoke to James Meager about the new vaping legislation and the possible consequences for young people, along with the funding criteria changes and how they might affect disabled people and their carers.