The Wire with Sara

Almost as long as the entertainment industry has existed, actors and public figures have transitioned from the screen to politics. 

Examples from tens of countries around the world have seen celebrities fail and succeed to use their fame to gain political influence. 

Liam Hansen spoke to University of Auckland Political Psychology Professor, Dr. Danny Osborne about this phenomenon.

A report was released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton which revealed startling gaps in how New Zealand monitors and records hazardous chemicals in the environment.The report found that New Zealand’s regulations can often overlook environmental effects and recommends that a common framework be developed to assess and track chemicals and their environmental impacts. Casper spoke with Nick Kim, a Senior Lecturer in applied environmental chemistry at Massey University about the significance of the findings of the report, and its recommendations.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is continuing to devastate civilian areas in an attempt to demoralise Ukrainian forces. 

Ukrainians in Aotearoa are calling for the New Zealand Government to do everything it can to sanction Russia and offer military aid, humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. 

I spoke to Ukrainian student Veronika Orekhivska, who is studying in Auckland. In our interview, she gives a personal account of growing up in Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv, and shares what the war has been like for her friends and family who are there.

We also discuss Russia's history of agression towards Ukraine, the leadership of Ukrainian President Zelenksyy, and how disinformation has influenced people. 

Today the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment released a report looking at how we monitor chemicals in the environment and interpret their impact on living things. The report looked at neonicotinoid insecticides, antibiotics, and the trace metal zinc as case studies, as well as how our own regulations may not address the issue. Joe speaks to Dr Jennifer Gadd, an aquatic chemist from NIWA on the matter.