The Wire with Manny

This week on The Wire for Rāhina Monday!

Joe speaks to Dr Michele Bannister, a Senior Lecturer from the University of Canterbury about scientists seeking meteorite footage. He also chats to Paul Scofield, a Senior Curator of Natural History and Adjunct Professor in Palaeontology in the Geology Department at the University of Canterbury about the ancient waterfowl recently found at St Bathans in Central Otago. 

Trishil speaks to Professor Lara Greaves about the Green Party Leadership Vote and Professor Stephen Hoadley about the Grain Crisis in Ukraine and Russia’s disinformation campaign against the West on the matter.

Isla and Stella discuss how Mātauranga Māori can aid science in the management of kauri dieback. They talk with Dr Amanda Black and Dr Nick Waipara about the cultural significance of kauri and the scope of biosecurity in Aotearoa.

That's us for this weeks Monday Wire!

Ukraine and Russia have agreed on a deal that would reopen blocked Black Sea routes for grain exports.

The major diplomatic breakthrough aims to ease the world shortage of Ukrainian grain sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has left millions at risk of hunger.

Trishil Dahya spoke with Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations Stephen Hoadley on the matter, about his perspective on the deal.

James Shaw was ejected from his role as Green Party co-leader on Saturday following a leadership vote during the Green Party annual general meeting.

The decision came down by a minority vote, with 30% of the party choosing to vote against him. Thirty-two out of 107 delegates voted at the party's online annual general meeting more than the 25 percent threshold necessary under the Greens' rules.

Marama Davidson is to remain the sole leader during this time. At this stage, prospective candidates will have a week to put their name forward, followed by 4 weeks of voting. James Shaw has an opportunity to put his name back into the ballot, and if he is the only candidate, he will need to regain the support of 75% of the party.

James Shaw has confirmed his bid to contest the co-leadership following his ousting, after consultation with party members, and family.

I spoke to Professor Lara Greaves about James Shaw’s ousting as Green Party co-leader, and whether there could be next steps.

The Royal Commission of Inquiries case into Abuse in Care of the disabled, deaf folks, and people who suffered mental distress has recently concluded.

This has revealed some horrific details found in health institutions, with patiests undergoing mental, physical, and sexual abuse.

There’ve also been reports of undertrained staff who consistently have mistreated those who were most vulnerable.

To learn more, Liam spoke to CCS Disability Actions Debbie Ward about the report, first asking about what exactly the abuse in care inquiry is.