The Wire with Sara

In the last week, RNZ has come under fire for its use of Te Reo with Don Brash among others annoyed by its presence on national radio, and television. Brash says he doesn’t understand the language, says it has no value to him, and that it is being rammed down peoples throats. Other people like media commentator John Drinnan say RNZ does not have a strategy for its use of Te Reo, with no reason given as to why it is being used and what is being said. The Monday Wire team were joined for a live panel discussion on the use of Te Reo in the media by news director Lillian Hanly, Morning Glory host Geneva Alexander-Marsters, and former Wire producer Atereano Mateariki. 

 Producer Leonard Powell caught up with Sam Dowdall who's travelling the country cutting men's hair and helping men open up about mental health while sitting in the barber chair, as this is something that's often obscured by ideas of masculinity. He's known as the Barter Barber and is trying to do something about a problem that he along with so many others have seen first hand.

If you need someone to talk to:

Lifeline: 09-522 2999

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757

Hannah Ross gives us the best of the weeks 95bFM news bits. This week we looked into the reporting of tongan rugby league supporters from the game last week, we also looked into Papua New Guinea's Manus Island more and 95bfm news teamer Lisa Boudet proved some great interviewing skills with an interview with Phil Twyford.

Producer Conor spoke with Mark Jennings, formerly of Media Works, on the People's Commission on Public Broadcasting and Media. Mark served as a panelist on the commission, and travelled to various parts of the country to engage in discussion with concerned individuals.