The Wire with Manny

In recent months, major international sporting events have begun to return. Some events, like the Olympics, have operated behind closed doors, while others, like the European Football Championships, have allowed fans. However, their return has raised considerable concern over the pandemic-related risks, as well as economic and political issues. 

Louis discussed the benefits and setbacks of hosting international tournaments during the pandemic with Kansai University's Satoko Itani, University of Auckland's Shaun Hendy, and University of Otago's Mark Falcous. 

Today, Ilena talked to Cr. Shane Henderson about the new IPCC report and how the findings translate into Auckland's climate change mitigation and adaptations strategies. He also outlined what's been happening of late in Henderson with the joint Council, Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency 'Henderson Streets For People' project.

A new study from the University of Otago will investigate the long term effects of elite sport on athletes in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Paralympics. Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to Dr Xaviour Walker, who is leading the study, about what he hopes to find.

Noah also spoke to Dr David Gerrard, a former Olympic swimmer who is also involved in the study, about how the wellbeing of elite athletes has changed over time.

Ilena spoke with Terry Bellamak, president of ALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa, and Jackie Edmond, the Chief Executive of Family Planning, on the new bill that has passed in Western Australia that grants 'safe access zones' around abortion providers. Those seeking abortions would not be harrassed by anti-abortion protestors within a 150 metre radius of any clinic. This brings Western Australia up to speed with the legislation in place in the rest of Australia- but New Zealand still does not provide any kind of protection for those visiting these centres. 

Ilena discusses with Terry and Jackie the current bill being proposed to the government that looks to change this, and how it falls short in some areas, as well as what they would like to see changed to ensure more equitable and protected access to abortion.