The Wire with Castor

Research has shown there has been a large decline in children reading for enjoyment. Many say the impacts of this are great, as reading for pleasure increases children’s empathy, and introduces them to ideas and experiences that are different from their own. 

Olivia spoke to the Chair of the Storylines Children’s Literature Trust, Christine Young, about the importance of this issue, and what Storylines does to encourage children to read more for enjoyment.

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.

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. 

Cleaners at Auckland Airport are going on strike to protest a pay increase of zero this year. 

They are also campaigning for a Fair Pay Agreement, a process where unions work with companies to ensure fair pay for union members. 

E tū union is the biggest private sector union in New Zealand, representing workers from dozens of industries. 

Arno spoke with director Sarah Thompson to find out more about Fair Pay Agreements and how they function. 

Next, Arno spoke with FIRST Union organiser Nicholas Mayne. Last week on Friday workers at the Warehouse took strike action, protesting a low wage and dangerously low staffing levels in stores. Arno set out to find out more about the strike and what can be done going forward to improve conditions for low-paid workers.