The Wire with Milly

As the election quickly approaches, politicians have been ramping up their marketing strategies. “Attack adverts” have been the central focus as of late, with both Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins weighing in.

Olivia spoke to Associate Professor from the Department of Marketing from the University of Auckland Business School Dr Mike Lee about the current marketing strategies being employed, and how they compare to previous elections.

A year ago the Consent Law Reform campaign, led by founder Layba Zubair, handed over a petition to parliament calling for a change in our consent law under the Crimes Act.

Caeden spoke to Layba about what the campaign has achieved in the past year, especially in the context of the election and the impact this law change could have for survivors.

Content warning for discussions of sexual violence during this story.

The Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) funeral grant is a payment that those eligible can receive to help pay for funeral costs. 

The amount paid has not changed in 20 years, and has been criticised as being too low, not even covering the costs of a basic cremation. 

The Funeral Directors Association New Zealand is campaigning for increased payments and coverage, to give those dying and their loved ones dignity. 

Arno spoke to Chief Executive Gillian Boyes about the WINZ funeral grant and their campaign.

Arno started our interview by asking how much the current grant is worth and how this number came about.

Emilia spoke to the Green Party’s Chlöe Swarbrick about student issues and how the Greens intend to help students.

Nicholas spoke to Stephen Judd from FACT Aotearoa and Nicole Skews-Poole from The Disinformation Project about misinformation and disinformation leading up to the general election.

Arno interviewed two union representatives, Sarah Thompson and Nicholas Mayne of E tū and FIRST Union, respectively, about fair pay agreements amid workers striking across several industries.

Arno also spoke to Funeral Directors Association New Zealand Chief Executive Gillian Boyes about calls to increase Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) funeral grant payments and those eligible for it.