The Wire with Sara

Today on the Wire, Jessica Hopkins talks to Nicola Keen-Biggelaar from Drowning Prevention Auckland about World Drowning Prevention Day.

Producer Louis Macalister spoke to Jason Young, a Professor in Politics and International Relations at Victoria University and the Director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Center about New Zealand condemning numerous cyber-attacks associated with the Chinese government.

Then, Louis discusses Katuku Island, the first fully Maori video game, with developer Dr Phyllis Callaghan.

Louis also interviewed Tania Meads, the Director of criminal justice organisation JustSpeak about her thoughts on the Police Association’s recent call for better access to firearms. 

Finally, Jessica talks to Dr Mels Barton from The Tree Council about Stop the Chop, a new campaign aimed at stopping the cutting down of mature trees in New Zealand’s cities.

The New Zealand government has recently joined other nations to condemn international cyber-attacks associated with the Chinese government. In a public statement, GCSB Minister Andrew Little called the attacks "malicious activity" that "undermines global stability.". 

Louis was joined by Jason Young, who is a Professor in Politics and International Relations at Victoria University. They spoke about the potential for retaliation and how New Zealand can maintain a positive relationship with China. 

A recent government proposal to put $rson for Police and Corrections, Simeon Brown, who has spoken out against the proposal, arguing it will giv2.75 million towards a meth rehabiliation programme, led in part by former gang members, has received extensive media coverage in recent weeks. Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to Jarrod Gilbert from the University of Canterbury about how gangs are perceived in Aotearoa, and how the goverment should work with them.

Noah also spoke to National Party Spokespee back money to gang leaders.

International Desk reports on the missing Ugandan weighlifter in Japan before the Olympics.

Auckland Central MP Chloe Swarbrick talked to producer Conor Head-McCarthey on the her petition for a rental Warrant Of Fitness.

Conor also spoke to the Public Service Association's (PSA) Benedict Ferguson on a mixed industrial and integrated approach to housing.

He also talked to Professor Sally Gaw at the University at Canterbury about her study on microplastics.

Neighbourhood Watch reports on South Australia entering a seven-day lockdown.