The Wire with Alex

This week on the Tuesday Wire Casper spoke to Dr. Shane Reti from the National party and Zoe Hawke from E Tipu E Rea about Welfare policy the National party’s young jobseeker plan.

Emily spoke to Dr. Roshini Peiris-John from the University of Auckland about the challenges faced by Asian New Zealanders in accessing health services.

As well as Massey University marine biologist Dr Karen Stockin about the link between climate change and the movement of whales.

This week on The Wire for Rāhina Monday!

Joe speaks to Steven Agnew, a senior Lecturer from the University of Canterbury about ending persistent disparities for Pasifika students in regards to literacy skills. He also speaks to Katie Pickles, a Professor of History from the University of Canterbury, about Jane Goodall joining Barbie’s ‘inspiring women’ series and how this ties in with Barbie being an antithesis of feminism given the company’s controversial representation of women.

Liam will be chats to Michelle Johnstone from the Amalgamated Workers Union about dangerous housing conditions for migrant workers, as well as Rober Patman from the University of Otago about the United States Senate passing a major democrat climate and health package. 

Tomorrow’s World is back! Isla and Stella speak to Keoni Mahelona from Te Pūnaha Matatini about using machine learning to revitalise Te Reo Māori.

That's us for the Monday Wire!

Barbie has released a series of dolls which honours historical and contemporary heroines, such as conservation activist and animal behaviour expert Jane Goodall, aviator Amelia Earhart, NASA mathematician and physicist Katherine Johnson and artist and political activist Frida Kahlo. However, can this be seen as the appropriation of heroic women of substance as plastic Barbies? A brand synonymous with the objectification of women. 

Joe spoke to Katie Pickles, a Professor of History from the Univeristy of Canterbury, about Barbie’s ‘inspiring women’ series and how this could be an Antithesis of Feminism given the company’s controversial representation of women.

Rejoice! While fuel prices have yet to return to pre 2022 levels, it has freefallen down to an average of $2.70 a litre at the pumps in Auckland. 

For example, yesterday afternoon saw prices fluctuate across the country with Waitomo on Tinakori Road in Wellington charging $2.59 a litre; Caltex on Newton Road in Auckland charging $2.65; and in Christchurch, Waitomo on Fitzgerald Avenue charging $2.47.

Further drops are expected on the horizon, in part due to the crude oil stock price falling from 110USD to around 96 USD over the past week. Another factor could be the fuel tax excise, which has been extended to January.

To learn more, Trishil spoke to Economics Professor Basil Sharp about the trends and contributing factors to the fall in prices.