The Wire with Alex

Yesterday, the Government announced that Auckland will remain at Alert Level 4 and the rest of the country at Alert Level 2 until at least Tuesday 21st of September at 11:59. News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu, University of Otago Wellington Immunologist, Head of Pacific Office and Senior Lecturer in Pathology and Molecular Medicine, about her position on the government’s alert level announcement. They also discuss the progress of the vaccination roll out and whether enough support has been given to Pacific and Māori communities. 

The Chinese government has recently made numerous policy reforms that support Xi Jinping's goal of Common Prosperity. The reforms suggest a return to socialist policies, including regulation on for-profit education, online gaming, and internet companies.

Louis spoke to Victoria University of Wellington's Jason Young about the reforms and what impacts they might have.  

The Western Australian government is re-drafting its heritage protection laws, after mining company Rio Tinto destroyed a FORTY SIX THOUSAND year old sacred site. 

However, under these new proposed laws, the Western Australia Government still retains the final decision in heritage disputes.

A group of Aboriginal Australians including Nyungar human rights lawyer and academic, Dr Hannah McGlade have made a formal request for the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to review the draft Cultural Heritage Bill.

Jessica Hopkins spoke to McGlade, who says the proposed legislation is insufficient protection of the right to culture, which prohibits states from destroying significant Indigenous cultural heritage.

Here is that interview...

According to the United Nations, millions of people in Southern Madagascar are on the verge of extreme food insecurity. This comes as changing weather patterns have left the region without rain for almost four years. 

Louis talked with the World Food Program's Shelley Thakral about the famine, the role of climate change, and what action needs to be taken.