The Wire with Alex

A recent report by Age Concern has revealed 59% of people aged 65 or older experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation, of which 30% experienced those feelings often or always. These results indicate what is being called a “loneliness epidemic”.

Producer Athena spoke to Joyce Cook Chair in Aging Well, and Professor at the University of Auckland, Ngaire Kerse, about how the loneliness epidemic among older people arose, the effects of loneliness and isolation, and potential ways to address the issue.

This week on the Monday Wire:

Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in the studio to discuss setting boundaries and how to navigate this.

For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori, News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to Mariameno Kapa-Kingi about hīkoi mō te tiriti reaching Parliament, the Treaty Principles Bill passing it’s first reading, and the haka in the house in protest of this.

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, Joel also speaks to Simon about the hīkoi mō te tiriti at Parliament.

Producer Yesenia speaks to Māori health researcher and spokesperson for Health Coalition Aoteaora, Christina Mckerchar, on the harms of food insecurity on Māori and Pasifika children and what those harms will impact them.

Yesenia also speaks to Paediatric Endocrinologist and Professor at the University of Auckland, Paul Hofman, on the Ministry of Health's precautions regarding puberty blockers, and what the multidisciplinary approach would provide.

And finally, Joel speaks to the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at MOTAT, Katie Bundle, about MOTAT’s adopt a tram initiative.

Whakarongo mai!

After a new report from the science media centre mentions that after reviewing the evidence around puberty blockers for children with gender dysphoria, the Ministry of Health is taking a more precautionary approach.

Producer Yesenia spoke to paediatric endocrinologist and Professor at the University of Auckland Paul Hofman  about the multidisciplinary approach the ministry of health is wanting to approach with Puberty Blockers and the changes coming for those seeking gender affirming care. 

A United Nations report from late October has criticised France for their crackdown on protestors in New Caledonia earlier this year.

Wire Host Caeden spoke to Viro Xulue, a Kanak advocate in New Caledonia, about the report and the continued movement for independence.

They started by asking about what the report said.