The Wire with Manny

Today on The Wire:

On Dear Science with Marcus we’re talking about protein structures, Oxford's Covid vaccine, and the collapse of a 57 year old telescope.

Felix spoke to deputy leader of the Act party - Brooke Van Velden about the new pill testing bill and sick leave.

Karanama spoke to Carmen Parahi from Stuff about the media company's recent apology in regards to how they've treated Māori

Felix reports on New Zealand's climate emergency declaration and what it actually means.

While Māori representation in Parliament is guaranteed by the Māori seats, no similar guarantee exists at the level of local government. In fact, the Local Electoral Act 2001 requires proposed Māori wards be put to referendum if 5% of local voters request it. General wards are not subject to such a clause. 

ActionStation and Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori are calling on the government to amend this provision, making the law governing Māori wards equal to that which governs general wards.

Hanna spoke to Toni Boynton from Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori about the group's mahi, and what Māori representation means for local government policy, partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi, and democracy itself.

Today on the Tuesday Wire, Noah looks into the government's announcement yesterday that paid sick leave will increase from 5 to 10 days in 2021. He speaks to Retail NZ and E Tū for their perspectives on the change. 

Jemima reports on WorkSafe charging 13 parties in relation to the Whakaari / White Island disaster in December 2019. She talks to University of Auckland Professor of Volcanology Shane Cronin about what the proceedings might do for future changes to volcano hazard management. 

Hanna speaks to Toni Boyton from Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori about the group's petition in support of Māori wards. 

To wrap up the show, Noah chats to Chief Electoral Officer Alicia Wright about how this year's election had a huge increase in the youth vote and the Māori vote.

This week Zoë Larsen Cumming speaks to James Shaw about the Climate Emergency declaration set to be announced by the government this week, along with the Green's stance on the Five Eyes Intelligence Network regarding recent statements by the Chinese government.