The Wire with Manny

On August 14 2021, News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston spoke to Natasha Gallardo, the Chief Executive of the National Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, about what the government could do to better support those with hearing loss in lockdown. The Foundation called for closed captions to be used more widely, clear masks to be implemented, and for businesses to resource their staff with ways to communicate with the hearing loss community. However, a year later, Natasha says these calls have not been answered by the government. 

Today Jemima speaks to Natasha again about how the deaf and hard of hearing community is being impacted by the latest lockdown and how you can support those who struggle with hearing loss  through this lockdown period and always.

If you are an essential business owner or someone who wants to learn more about how they can better communicate with those with hearing loss, you can head to the Resources tab on National Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing website. 

This week Jemima hosts the Monday Wire, while Jessica and Louis produce the show from home.

First up, Jessica Hopkins speaks to Amnesty International Community Manager, Margaret Taylor about their petitions against the death penalty in Iran.

Louis Macalister had several interviews for todays show. First he talked to Dr Jin Russell from the University of Auckland about poverty and child development research. Then to Children's Commissioner Andrew Becroft about the recent approval for 12-15 year olds to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The Auckland City Mission's Deb Ward shares what it has been like for the Mission during the latest lockdown. And lastly, Independent Journalist Neha Wadekar speaks on the Cabo Delgado conflict in Mozambique. 

University of Auckland's Dr Jin Russell has recently completed research on the impacts of poverty on early childhood development. She states that childhood poverty can have long-lasting consequences on social skills, job prospects, and learning capabilities. 

Louis talked to Dr Russell about her research, its importance, and what changes she believed were needed. 

As an essential service, the Auckland City Mission will continue to operate during the current level four lockdown. But restrictions have change how the mission provides services, including takeaway bags, social distancing, and a pop-up vaccination centre. 

Auckland City Mission's Fundraising and Reputation Manager Deb Ward joined Louis to chat about how lockdown has impacted the mission and the people they support.