The Wire with Manny

United States President Donald Trump’s mega-spending bill passed its final vote in the House of Representatives and is now set to become law.

Despite its controversy and universal opposition from the Democrats, the bill has been supported by the vast majority of Republicans.

For International Desk, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Associate Professor of Political Science at Boise State University, Charlie Hunt, about the bill and Republican support.

This week’s second phase of the national covid-19 inquiry has seen public hearings from the community and experts talking about the wider impacts of mandates and lockdowns during the pandemic.

As health experts are urging the government to anticipate and better prepare for a future pandemic, and people in all sectors across New Zealand still work through the ongoing effects of Covid-19, this inquiry needs to inform critical decision making and processes for the central government. 

Speaking more about the inquiry and the general effects of Covid-19, I spoke with public health expert Sir Collin Tukuitonga about his research findings and the importance of pandemic preparedness, as well as Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois about the need to support businesses and hospitality in New Zealand

Recently, a study was conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton which uncovered a shift in the circulation of the Southern Ocean.

The study showed that the shift would draw up more salt water from the deep ocean, subsequently accelerating the loss of ice in the Antarctic and leading to an increase of sea levels and global heating.

The week before, the government allowed the terrorist designation given to the far-right ‘Proud Boys’ group to expire, effectively decriminalising the act of funding or openly supporting the group here in Aotearoa.

And, just yesterday Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed a number of changes to Family Boost which she said would help families with the cost of living.

For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez March to get the party’s take on all of these issues.

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party News and Editorial Director Joel spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about the recent study showing the increased speed of Antarctic ice melt, the removal of the Proud Boys designation as a terrorist group and The government's recent Family Boost announcement.

For this week’s Get Action! Wednesday Wire host Oto spoke with Dave Macpherson from Save our Trains Southern about a petition of his calling for the restoration of the Southerner Train line.

Producer Max spoke with PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons, to talk about the historic strike that is occuring at Pharmac this week.

Oto spoke with the co-head of Maori and Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland Gordon Nanau about French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to grant New Caledonia associated statehood.

And Monday Producer Sam spoke to the Deputy Director Māori at the Centre of Brain Research Te Huinga Hinengaro, Dr Makarena Dudley, about her kauapapa to support rural Māori communities with members suffering from mate wareware, or dementia.