The Wire with Castor

Education Minister Erica Stanford and Associate Minister David Seymour put out a press release last Friday accusing the Post Primary Teachers Association of disrupting students’ learning. 

The press release continues that the PPTA is prioritising ideology over students, and that the meetings create a poor example.

Stanford says “We can’t expect students to value the importance of education and attendance when adults walk off the job.”

To address these claims, Wire host Castor spoke to president of the PPTA, Chris Abercrombie, about the press release and the PPTA’s concerns for teaching in Aotearoa.

Pharmac has announced the funding of the ADHD medication Lisdexamfetamine, which is currently not available in the country, as well as removing the renewal criteria for funded treatments.

The new medication will be funded from December, which is expected to benefit over 6000 people.

Many have welcomed these developments, including ADHD New Zealand.

News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to the spokesperson from the organisation, Darrin Bull, about these developments, and why they are so important for Aotearoa’s ADHD community.

Last week, Transport Minister, Simeon Brown, announced that Auckland’s rail network will close for 96 days, with an additional 53 days where operations will be reduced.

Brown cites multiple reasons for these closures, which are to develop and upgrade Auckland’s rail network.

News and Editorial Director, and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the National Coordinator of the Public Transport Users Association New Zealand, Jon Reeves, about this announcement, what the association’s thoughts are regarding the matter, and what this will mean for public transport users.

The Government will issue its apology to survivors of abuse in state care and faith based institutions tomorrow. 

The apology has been a long time coming and is set to be a monumental day for survivors. The apology is taking place in Parliament, and with spaces being limited, a huge number of survivors won’t be able to watch it in person, instead entering a lottery to gain a space in Parliament. 

The remaining survivors will be watching via livestream in multiple locations. 

Beyond the apology the government is also yet to layout what its redress and compensation plans will include despite recommendations being made in the royal commission of inquiry into abuse in state care report. 

Producer Evie spoke to the University of Auckland’s Stephen Winter about the apology and what to expect from the government next.