The Wire with Sara

Pfizer and BionTech said the third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the Omicron variant.  Justin spoke to Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu from Otago University Wellington to discuss the science behind.

Workers at aged care home and hospitals across Aotearoa will take action at their workplaces and at Parliament this December, saying mandatory safe staffing is needed. Today union members from E Tu and NZNO, with support from National’s senior network, Grey Power, will present to Parliament a petition and open letter to the government demanding the change. Joe speaks to Jody Anderson, the union’s spokesperson.

Yesterday, the latest Franchising New Zealand 2021 report was launched. In this report, there were many significant details - there are 590 different business format franchises in Aotearoa, the annual turnover of business format franchises showed major growth, and New Zealand is still the most franchised country in the world. 

The survey was conducted between the 30th of September and the 29th of October by the Massey Business School, which means that this survey was also performed during a time when businesses were facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Zazi spoke with the author of this report, Jonathan Elms. He is the director of Research for Massey Business School and the Professor of Retail Management. He spoke to Zazi about these significant details within the report, what they mean, and why the franchising sector is important for Aotearoa’s economy. 

This week on the Wednesday Wire, the show kicks off with Christina having her regular segment Dear Science with AUT Professor Allan Blackman. They speak on the running of the bulls; discuss how spaceflight can affect the body; and talk about why getting rid of cataracts in our eyes could reduce the risk of dementia.

After that, Christina speaks with the Chair of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, Hayden Wano, about their Te Rau Tira wellbeing report, and how we can improve outcomes for vulnerable communities in Aotearoa. 

Then, Zazi talks to the Director of Research for Massey Business School and Professor of Retail Management, Jonathan Elms, about the Franchise sector growing in contribution, despite the pandemic.

And finally, Zazi has her regular talk with ACT's Brooke van Velden, where they talk about Brooke’s favourite political moments of the year, goals for next year as well as her summer plans.