The Wire with Manny

This week on International Desk, an unfolding story from the United States.

Conservative political organiser Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. 

Kirk was a controversial figure, known for his pro-gun and Christian Nationalist views, as well as his close allyship with United States President Donald Trump.

Kirk’s death comes shortly after other stories of political violence in the United States.

In June, Democratic legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were assassinated in a shooting in their home. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also injured the same day. 

Following the news about Kirk’s death, Wire Host Caeden reached out to Andre Fa’aoso from the Yale Daily News to find out how people were reacting in the United States.

Hundreds of actors, directors and other film industry professionals, including the likes of Olivia Colman, Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton have signed a pledge, which was submitted by the group “Film Workers for Palestine”, where they have vowed not to work with Israeli film institutions that they say are “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people”, the pledge is inspired by the cultural boycott that contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Taking it back to last year, Will Alexander, a New Zealand actor who has appeared on Shortland Street in the past, chose to go on a hunger strike due to what he referred to as the New Zealand government being complicit in an ongoing genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

As he has personally acted against Israel in the past, Producer Max spoke to Will to get his opinion on the news of other global actors choosing to strike against Israel and how an actor can shape public perception.

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Wednesday Wire host Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about the government’s announcement to expand support services for rough sleepers, Green MP Benjamin Doyle’s resignation from Parliament and Erica Stanford’s recently announced measures to crack down on overstayers.

And, for this week’s Get Action! He spoke with Fiona McDonald from Education Outdoors New Zealand about her petition to keep outdoor education on the list of senior curriculum subjects.

Wire producer Max spoke to Stephen Hoadley - a retired professor in international relations, to discuss the potential for more European and US sanctions against Russia.

And he also spoke to Will Alexander, a former actor on Shortland Street to discuss the recent global news of an Actors strike against Israel.

And Wire producer Manny spoke to Dr Sue Adams, Senior Lecturer of Nursing, to discuss Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora’s nursing reforms leaked last week and their implications for the workforce.

Aotearoa continues to have one of the highest leptospirosis rates among developed countries, with flooding (notably the Hawkes Bay floods in 2023) being one of the main catalysts. 

A recent study shows that other causes include exposure to rodents, working with uncovered cuts, and handling of livestock. The carried lepto strains are currently not protected by any existing vaccines.

Last week, producer Faith spoke to researcher and epidemiologist Professor Jackie Benschop from Massey University about the disease, and what needs to be done.