The Wire with Sara

The report ‘Reuniting Families, a path forward for Aotearoa New Zealand’; a collaboration between the University of Auckland and the New Zealand Red Cross, was recently released, with the report highlighting the concerns with Aotearoa’s family sponsorship system regarding the intake of those forcibly displaced from their home countries, and the 7-year backlog of those a part of the system.

News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Co-Director at the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies at the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Education and Social Work, Professor Jay Marlowe, about the report, and what the report details to better correct the system.

Firstly, they started by asking how the family sponsorship system works.

In light of RFK Jr, a notorious, prominent anti-vaxxer, being appointed as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, many are concerned about what direct consequences we could see as a result of this move.

News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to vaccinologist and Professor in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland, Dr Helen Petousis-Harris, about the appointment of RFK Jr, and what consequences we could see not only in the US, but internationally, due to this decision.

They started off by asking who RFK Jr is, and how he was able to take up this role.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about Waitangi Day and the new ‘State of the Nation’ report from the Salvation Army.

And for the inaugural International Desk, 95bFM’s new segment focused on breaking and under-reported news from around the globe, they speak to Brock University’s Dr. Jordan House about California’s use of incarcerated individuals as firefighters.

For City Counselling this week, Producer Sofia catches up with Councillor Fairey about further criticism regarding Auckland Council’s proposed restrictions on dog walking, as well as further criticism on the decision process to move the Western Springs speedway to Waikaraka Park. 

And she speaks to co-President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists and Principal Investigator in Te Pūnaha Matatini Centre of Research Excellence, Troy Baisden, about US President Donald Trump cutting and limiting rafts of funding for science and health research and its implications.

Last week's Waitangi Day had a notable absence, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Instead, he chose to spend the day with Kāi Tahu. The move drew some criticism, particularly as all other political leaders were present at Waitangi.

It comes after National Minister Tama Potaka overhauled the Waitangi Tribunal earlier this year. Eight members of the tribunal were replaced with controversial new appointments.

And the Salvation Army has released their latest State of the Nation report. The report showed an increase in families struggling with the cost of living, forcing them onto the benefit in record numbers.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about both of these topics.