The Wire with Sara

The Tuesday Wire kicks off with regular segment Dear Science. Today, host Christina spoke to AUT Professor Allan Blackman about helium shortages due to war in Ukraine, the surpsiingly valuable materials making up mercury’s crust, and why you might be to blame if you find everyone else boring.

She then spoke to Brooke Pao-Stanley from Fairer Futures, which has released new data that indicates recent benefit increases aren't enough, and people will remain locked in poverty.

With Ukraine-Russia news dominating the headlines, it's possible you've missed the latest news from the United States. Christina caught up with Dr Maria Armoudian, a senior politics lecturer from the University of Auckland, about recent happenings in US politics.

And finally, producer Trishil reported on the prevalence of Long Covid, as well as the research efforts going into understanding the condition, and the various clinical trials and treatment options for the condition.

Listen back!

This week on Dear Science, Christina caught up with AUT Professor Allan Blackman. They talked about how the war in Ukraine has caused a helium shortage, the materials that make up the crust of Mercury, and why we find certain people boring.

On today's Monday Wire Charlie speaks to Jason Young, Director of Victoria University's New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, regarding the proposed security deal between China and the Solomon Islands.

Sam discusses how Tikanga Māori should be incorperated into regenarative tourism, he speaks with Professor Katharina Ruckstuhl from the University of Otago.

Nicola Willis, Deputy Leader of the National Party, speaks with Charlie about the potential for restructuring tax brackets and how this would help the 'squeezed middle'.

The need for a living wage introduciton admist COVID-19 economic setbacks, Green Party's MP Ricardo Menéndez March speaks on the issue with Charlie.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Minimum wage is due to increase, but families are still struggling to afford the basic costs of living. COVID-19 has also made this struggle more difficult, with isolation rules causing families to stretch their incomes to new products and necessities. Charlie spoke with Green MP, Ricardo Menéndez March, about the potential of implementing a living wage for all New Zealand adult workers.