The Wire with Manny

This week, a University of Otago led study found that autistic pupils are significantly less likely to attend school regularly, particularly at a young age.

The researchers of the study had information on 654,438 pupils, of which 8427 were autistic. They found that autistic pupils' regular attendance was 55.3%, compared to 62.5% for non-autistic pupils. They also found that autistic students would experience about 78 fewer school days on average per year compared to their non-autistic peers.

Lead author, Dr Nick Bowden, of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, has said that "it's important to remember that behind the data are real children, whānau, and educators, trying to make it work, often without the tools or support they need".

Producer Max spoke with Larah van de Meer, Research and Advocacy Manager at Autism New Zealand, about the recent study by the University of Otago.

Last week Transport minister Chris Bishop announced steps towards improvements to public transport from the Northwest of Auckland. The plan involves three stages, each promoting faster and more consistent public transport from the region. While early stages are planned for the next few years, later stages will be coming over the next ten or more years. 

The government has also announced $53 million towards subsidising teachers registration fees. This announcement follows extensive campaigning from teachers on this issue, eliminating a barrier for new and long-time teachers in Aotearoa. 

In our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with the transport upgrades in Northwest Auckland.

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science, our expert, Doctor Cushla McGoverin talks to us about a tree climbing salamander, lab grown teeth, and an early warning for volcanic eruptions. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor about transport upgrades in Northwest Auckland and subsidies to teachers registration fees. 

Also on education they spoke to president of the Post Primary Teachers Association, Chris Abercrombie, about the subsidised teachers registration fees and new classroom developments for overcrowded schools. 

News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to the National Secretary of the New Zealand Residential Doctors’ Association, Dr Deborah Powell, about the organisation’s concerns for the regulation of physician associates.

Joel also spoke to Virginia Braun, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Auckland, about New Zealand’s traveller status to the US being ‘exercised increased caution,’ and what they recommend for those visiting or transiting in the United States.

Recently, NZ First Leader, and Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, has proposed a members bill that would ensure the terms “woman” and “man” are interpreted alongside one’s sex assigned at birth, as opposed to gender identity.

Peters sez he is aiming for this bill to replace a self-identification law that allows citizens to change their sex on their birth certificate.

This bill has seen a multitude of criticism, over concerns this bill is aligning with similar moves overseas, such as in the UK and US, as well as how the bill would be enforced.

News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to a member from Queer Endurance / Defiance, Leliel Trethowen, about Winston Peter’s member’s bill, how this will impact Aotearoa’s transgender community, and their planned rally on Parliament grounds against this proposed bill.