The Wire with Sara

Liam and David are in the studio together at last on The Friday Wire! Today on the show:

Liam had a chat with city Councillor Pippa Coom about the mayoral election and the transport emissions reduction plan on City Counselling.

They also spoke with Auckland Action Poverty Groups’ Brooke Stanley Pao about sanctions placed on those receiving welfare help.

And finally they had a chat to Michele Lloyd from Stats NZ about heightened rates of acidity in New Zealand's water. 

David spoke to Anna de Roo from animal charity SAFE regarding the proposal to redevelop the Manukau greyhound racing track.

He also talked to University of Auckland Lecturer Timothy Welch about the environmental impact of cruise ships.

The Labour Party was one of many to criticise the National Parties policy announcements of minimising welfare for youth and focusing on pushing them into work. 

However, the Auckland Action Against Poverty group has called out the government for their own actions of sanctioning those on the benefit.

They claim Labour has cut benefits of around 4000 people who aren't well, are injured or living with a disability in the last 5 years.

To learn more, Liam spoke to Brooke Stanley Pao from the organisation about their frustrations.

Today is national independence day for Ukraine, celebrating their separation from the Soviet Union- it’s also the 6 month mark for the ongoing conflict with Russia. Stella spoke with Andy Robinson from World Vision about the ramifications of the conflict for the innocent children caught in the crossfire. World Vision is working on multiple aspects of child wellbeing, and today Stella and Andy focused on education and mental health. 

This week Tuva’a chats with Labour’s Andrew Little about comments made by ACT’s Brooke Van Velden about ICU bed numbers, in bfm reporter Alex’s interview yesterday. They also talk about the outgoing speaker, Trevor Mallard's accomplishments in the role.