The Wire with Max

Air New Zealand recently announced their withdrawal from the Science Based Targets Initiative and removal of carbon intensity reduction targets.

The company says the move was driven by a lack of availability and affordability for new aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels.

The announcement drew criticism from experts who say the original plan was unrealistic and that the target removal was unsurprising.

Producer Josef spoke with Professor of Sustainable Business at the University of Otago, and Co-Director of He Kaupapa Hononga, Otago’s Climate Change Research Network, Sara Walton; about the announcement, and what it means for New Zealand’s emissions reduction target.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, international calls for a ceasefire have also been highlighted. Along with calls for a ceasefire, talks between Israel and Hamas have continued for months, despite disruptions. 

However, Dr Ritesh Shah says a ceasefire alone is not enough to address systemic issues within the region. Shah’s research is into the well-being and education of children and young people in Gaza. 

Wire host Castor spoke to him about humanitarian efforts, ceasefire talks, and what else the international community could do to contribute to lasting peace in the region.

He also spoke about a series he began at the University of Auckland, which is linked below with a description:

Through guest speakers and films (including several Palestinian scholars), the intention is to provide a space for staff and students within our university to learn more about how contemporary struggles in Palestine are the product of legacies of settler colonialism, racism, capitalism, and imperialism. It is also an opportunity to question some of the orthodoxies that have held problems in their place in Palestine and begin to imagine alternative futures. The series also gives specific attention to the education project in all of this—and how it has been a source of oppression, liberation, and hope for Palestinians over time and in different forms.      

The series starts on August 1 and runs over three successive Thursdays that month (August 1, 8, 15) from 4-6 pm (note, the first session runs until 6:30 pm). Those who are interested in attending can register for one or more of the seminars at this link, where you can also find more information about each seminar in the series. 

The government recently announced changes and funding for maths education in primary and intermediate schools. The changes include requiring all primary and secondary teachers to have an NCEA level 2 qualification in maths and introducing standardised maths tests twice yearly. 

The changes are the first major update in around twenty years, and are cautiously welcomed by those in the sector.

Wire host Castor spoke to senior lecturer of mathematics education at the University of Auckland, Lisa Darragh, about the existing system and the potential changes.

On Friday producer Evie also talked to criminology lecturer at the University of Auckland Emmy Rakete, who is Ngāpuhi, about her concerns surrounding the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki act. 

We also talked about the Ngāpuhi hikoi taking place today in opposition to the act, and what they believe the government should be doing next.