The Wire with Nicholas

New research from The University of Sydney, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne and The University of Hong Kong suggest that the epicentre of avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, has shifted out of asia. The virus was first detected in China in 1996, however several outbreaks have occured since 2014 in both wild birds and commercial farms across Europe and Africa, as well as a recent discovery of cases in birds in the Antarctic region. 

Rosetta spoke to Virologist and Professor at the University of Otago Jemma Ghee-gan about the virus and Aotearoa’s bio security systems in place to protect against avian influenza reaching New Zealand.

For our weekly catch up with the ACT party Rawan spoke with ACT MP Simon Court. 

Rawan started off by asking about what the current situation is in regards to the ACT National coalition and what the discussions have looked like. 

They then discussed the ACT Party’s views on the Israel-Palestine war. The death toll in Palestine has hit 8000 people with more than 3000 being children. In addition to cutting off electricity and water Israel has also begun its ground invasion of Gaza over the last few days. 

Rawan asked about where the ACT party stands on Israel’s current actions against Palestine and what the New Zealand Government should do. They also discussed the Pro-Palestine marches over the weekend and why the ACT party refuses to support the cause of these demonstrations and the Palestinian Community.

Some of these statments where clarified by Samira Zaiton, Co-Convener at Justice for Palestine, during an interview on the Monday Wire.

The preliminary election results mean that the National Party would only have one MP of Pacific Island heritage in Parliament.

Angee Nicholas is currently ahead by just 30 votes in the Te Atatu electorate, with special votes still to be counted, it is possible that the result may change.

Nicholas spoke to the Lecturer of Language and Culture at the Auckland University of Technology Richard Pamatatau about the potential lack of Pacific representation in the National Party Caucus as well as reasons why the National Party appeals to some members of the Pacific Island community.

Nicholas started by asking Professor Pamatatau about what he thinks of the current makeup of National Caucus.

Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has shown support for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and establishing humanitarian corridors to protect civilians.

But advocates say this response is not enough, with more than 60 community organisations and individuals signing an open letter to the caretaker Prime Minister and incoming Prime Minister, calling for New Zealand to take a strong stand appealing for a ceasefire and for Palestinians in Gaza to come under United Nations protection.

Approximately 2.3 million Palestinians have experienced severe shortages of water, food, electricity, medicine, and essential healthcare services, and persistent Israeli attacks for more than two weeks. 

The death toll for Palestinians in Gaza is now over 5000, including 2000 children. 

News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to academic and Palestinian New Zealander Dr Rand Hazou about New Zealand’s response to what is happening to Palestinians in Gaza.

She started off the interview asking Dr Hazou about his connection to Palestine.